Help!! big leak

[classic2cv]

I’ve got a bit of a leak
but I’m having a bit a problem tracking t down
After sorting out the regulator (just a case of tightening a loose junction )
I now have another to sort out
I thought that it might be the octopus but that seems ok and the height corrector looks ok too
maybe I have a cracked pipe somewhere as It seems to be coming out under pressure
Any ideas ?

[Stewart (oily!)]

Steering is in that area too, can you run it whilst you are under there looking?
Stewart

[kiwi]

Little observation in the picture there is a threaded union fitting that is not connected to anything in the top left hand corner.
Just a hunch but does something with a thread on th end of a pipe have to go somewhere?

[ken newbold]

Octopus!

It'll be the leak-off pipe from the height corrector. Only leaks when engine is running?

The other possibility is the power steering return, easy fix. But when this goes you usually run out of fluid very quick.

I'm sticking with Octopus. Can be a temp fix without having to fit a new one.

[kiwi]

Wife just told me I need glasses optical illusion ignore what I said and I go with Kens Octopi theory.

[prm]

I’ll go with Ken –

But leaks around the octopus area can be a right s-d to track down sometimes.
Have a look at the front height corrector if the octopus is ok. You need to remove the front wheel. Viewed above the drive shaft, through the opening, there’s a small 8-10cm, piece of rubber hose that pushes onto a spigot on the height corrector and then bends upwards to connect vertically to a steel or plastic return tube. These small sections start to leak around 100-140K.
Aerosol degreaser works fine in clearing surplus oil, then wrap small pieces of white loo roll round each pipe , secured with cloths pegs (sounds all a bit domestic!!!),.gives a good direction where the leak is coming from

[classic2cv]

i've had the wheel off and i'm still not able to see where the lhm is leaking from

does anyong have any photos of the area around the height corrector ?

[ken newbold]

are you joking you'd need one of those medical camera things to get in there

[classic2cv]

i'll have another look in the morning

i can get close to source of the leak but just can't see where it's coming from

can it be takled from the top?

[ken newbold]

From under the wheel arch I'm affraid.

You need a very good light. some clean tissue. Lots of.

If you have big hands it will be difficult. I usually manage without taking the driveshaft out.

Look for the height corrector, then find the return pipe, it will be facing you but concealed. Clean the rubber return pipe and you'll probably find a split in it.

If you have a piece of metal brake pipe to hand, it is possible to make a repair by bending a metal pipe to shape and then inserting it into the octopus and then a new bit of rubber pipe to connect to the HC.

I have a spare octopus here if you require it. That should keep you busy this bank holiday.

[classic2cv]

Thanks ken

i'll have another try in the morning

and it might be taking you on that spare octopus

should i be brave enough to try and fix it

[ken newbold]

If you clean, and I mean clean, the front area of the subframe. Then run the engine for a while, you may well see a trickle of LHM running down the area I've marked.

If this is the case, I can almost gaurantee it's the HC return pipe split.

[classic2cv]

yes that’s exactly where the lhm runs when I wipe the sub frame clean

It takes about 15 seconds to start running off the sub frame again

[ken newbold]

So now you know what you're looking for.

[classic2cv]

i've found it

i'll have to grope around by hand (if i can get my big hams in there) and do it by feel

a couple of clips a bit of break pipping and i that were all sorted




i'll bid you good night and I’ll let you know the results later