Hello all, we run the non-profit Military Mobility that provides off-road expeditions and training to veterans and civilian wheelers.
We use a lot of different types of vehicles and now own two (2) LR3's, both 2008 HSE's. We are not experienced at working on Land Rovers...yet.
We've just been looking over the most recent LR3 we got and while diagnosing a front suspension leak, found this leak. What are we dealing with?



Taken from the passenger side wheel well. Engine is the 4.4

 

Looks like a valve cover leak or the cam sensor on top (out of frame) is leaking. The sensor has an east to replace seal around it that hardens and leaks. If its not leaking you may get away with just snugging up the valve cover bolts a little more.

 

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR INSIGHT AND EXPERIENCE! We absolutely love this vehicle and are looking forward to many grand adventures with it. Here's a thank you shot from a recent Military Mobility trip with a D2. Can't wait to get some LR3 shots like this!

"Big White" at a Military Mobility course

 

Judging by the quantity of oil that is around the camshaft seal and down the side of the head, I'm inclined to agree that it's the camshaft cover seal that's leaking rather than the sensor seal on top of the cover. It's not a difficult fix, but needs the coils removed.

Be careful with tightening up the bolts, either when trying to 'snug' them up or when refitting the cover with new gaskets, max torque is 9 lb ft (12Nm) or you risk stripping the threads (don't ask me how I know). If you want to try snugging them up you should first slacken them off and then retorque to 9 lb ft (12Nm).