Brakes Done and Bad News about Engine

Well, yesterday I got a call from the Garage. The Brakes are all done and they found the oil leak…

It leaks everywhere is what they said. It only really leaks after it's been at higher RPMs for a bit of time… so normal driving. The engine is not blowing smoke out of the exhaust or anything.

They also said they won't take that on as a project.

So, after some finagling of schedules, I made it over there to pick it up and drive it to my parents.

Looking at it now, it seems as though it's leaking oil between the fan shroud and the main block. I'm unsure where the oil is all coming from.

I started this thread on TheSamba.com to see if I could get some answers or ideas.

First Idea: Confirm that the crank case breather is not clogged. Theory is that if the crank case can't expel pressure, the internal pressure forces the oil out through the seals and gaskets.

I found the breather and checked that it wasn't clogged. Also checked that the hose going to the S housing was open.

Second Idea: The last mechanics mucked around with the Oil Pressure Relief valve. They said that it had been leaking from there and it was because the head of the oil pressure relief value (this monster screw) was bent slightly. They supposedly bent it back in place. I have to double check that. That involves changing the oil... not a problem but I'll have to pick some up.

What Now? Well right now, I was working in my dad's garage but have it back in mine now. I need to get it up on jack stands so I can get a better look at where the leaks might be coming from. I'll take pictures and add them here and to the thread.

Inevitably: Regardless of what is causing the pressure to increase such that the oil is leaking through the seals, I fear that the seals/gaskets are now bad and need to be replaced. So ultimately the damage may have been done.

The reason this all bums me out is that I've been working on this bus for a year and half. I keep getting this thing to the point where I'm sure it's going to work and the bus gods throw me a curve… more money, more time. The transmission was unexpected and huge. Now this could be huge as well and this is WAY more unexpected than the tranny was.

I'll tell you what though. This all came on suddenly so I'm thinking it's something that the garage did. If I can get it to where the oil leak just isn't as bad, then I'll live with that and plan a rebuild in the future.

More to come. Trying to remain positive.

Casey