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Diff oil leak

Hello,

I'm looking at a Range Rover 1988 Vogue 3.5 auto with a view to buying. I've not had a Land Rover before.

It appears to have oil coming out of the centre diff (only a small amount I think). I believe it is being driven by the wind onto the flywheel/drum like thing (? don't know what this is) on the propshaft (immediately behind the diff) and also driven (by the wind) onto the rear diff.

As far as I could tell there seemed to be no fault with the transmission. Is it most likely to be a leaking gasket or propshaft oil seal rather than something more serious?

The chap is moving out to France which is why he is selling (he is keeping his Disco).

It had a new engine 50,000 miles ago and an LPG conversion about two years ago. The transmission (and the rest of the vehicle) is at about

150,000 miles.

Would be grateful of your comments.

Cheers,

Mark

Reply to
Mark Porthouse
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That drum thing is your hand brake. Look carefully at it and see if there are two holes open to the world or if there are two bungs in holes. If there are holes then the handbrake may be oil contaminated. Not the end of the world, but a pain in the bottom to deal with.

I'd guess a propshaft seal.

The biggest comment I could give is "Caveat Emptor". It may be worthwhile seeing if you can get it to a local independant for them to do a crit on before buying. If nothing else they can tell you what it's likely to cost to fix.

P.

Reply to
Paul S. Brown

I'd also bear in mind that there are plenty of RaRos of that age to choose from - have a good look around, you may finder a minter instead of a munter.

David

Reply to
David French

David, Paul,

Thanks for your comments. I'm trying to leave some budget for unforeseen problems, but the seller is impressive and that is half of the consideration.

Cheers,

Mark

David French wrote:

Reply to
Mark Porthouse

As you say, it's likely to be a seal somewhere leaking, especially if it drives OK. LRs are legendary for their ability to lose fluids - not all do, but in the age of vehicle you are looking at it would be normal to see slight weeping in the areas you mentioned. If you can go see a few other RRs/Discoveries then you should get a feel for "normal" levels and recognise whether this one is much worse.

If as you suggest oil has been driven by the wind onto the read diff then the chassis is going to be absolutely soaking with oil - I think it's much more likely that the diff housing has a small hole in it (common) or it was overfilled, plug is loose or something along those lines.

If you can provide photos then feedback can be provided on what is "normal"! If the guy's driveway is soaking with oil rather than a few little spots then be wary. If the vehicle is low in oil (in gearbox/trans/diff/engine) then be wary. Otherwise go for it!

Regards

William MacLeod

Reply to
William MacLeod

In news:GyqAc.905$b64.825@newsfe1-win, William MacLeod expelled:

Yep, mechanical bits ooze oil, electric bits ooze smoke, owners ooze love and compassion for their darling vehicles.

Reply to
EMB

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