I have a oil leak coming from the front middle slightly on the drivers side. It is on the bottom (closest to the ground). I can't see where the leak is coming from, but there is a large amount of black oil on the linkage.

I don't have a oil cooler, but it looks like if I did have one, the oil leaks would be around the oil cooler. The oil is around the lower fan shroud, but the blades aren't oily. The steerbox is oily.

Can anyone gestimate from this info?

 

I'm no expert but I would guess that either the front cover or where the front cover meets the oil pan. You're gonna have to get down there and clean it good then watch to see exactly where the source is.

My 2 Cents.

 

Our 03 has the same exact issue, oil on the steering linkage and gearbox. I've cleaned the area twice, always looks like it is coming from the front cover to me. Thought it might be the plugs for the ports that would attach the oil cooler lines if it had one, but they are tight. Wish I would have investigated it more before changing the oil, old dirty black oil is a lot easier to trace...than clean, nearly clear new stuff.

But, I'm pretty sure its the front cover and crank seal.

Brian.

 

I think there was a window of two years when I didn't have a leak of any kind. That was after the headgaskets were done and a few other things were buttoned up (power steering leak, new water pump, etc.). Just this past year she started leaking again, drip, drip, drip and I assumed it was the valve cover gaskets something which I do not feel comfortable doing. I'm also smelling a burning oil odor which I assume is related. SO.. although this probably isn't your issue as yours was described to be over the driver side and mine is smack dab in the front middle (was hoping it was the oil pan leaking but it's further up front) it appears I will have to pull up my big girl panties and crawl underneath and take a looksee. I know I only have myself to blame.. I've been lazy, reckless, inconsiderate, and downright mean to my Rover, did I mention neglectful?? and have realized that I'm ONE of those people that you guys talk about on the forum....kind of... maybe .. I'm sorry.

Anyhoo.. this is what I'm watching today. Don't know if I'll act but at least I'm aware...


Good luck with your leak.

Christina

 

I just fixed an oil leak problem on my '03 with a similar description. Oil was dripping off the filter, but the fan and road wind were blowing it all over in the front.

Source of the leak was bad o-rings on both of the plugs for the oil cooler fittings on the front cover. Added PTFE tape to the threads for good measure. Super easy fix, once I identified the problem. I had been living with the oil leak for the last 6 months because I had prioritized other problems.

Best way to figure it out is to pressure-wash the whole lower engine area after removing the stupid plastic tray. Then I took out the little plastic inner fender panels for easier observation of the front cover from the sides. With a clean, dry engine, just running in the driveway I could see oil seeping out from these plugs. They were nice and snug, but the bad o-rings were leaky as hell.