Welsh Plugs VS 5 Ltr

[vs ute III]

Hi there

Just had some work done at the Holden dealer and they advised that i have slight oil leaks at front seal , sump and valley cover and that welsh plugs need replacing. Big $$$$$ job requiring thaking the engine out.

I'm not worried about the oil leaks, but am concerned about leaking welsh plugs as this could lead to cooked engine.

BUT sometimes there is a slight drop of fluid on the garage floor but most times nothing and there appears to be no fluid loss. I have noticed a little fluid on the block just behind the alternator and it is underneath this area where the fluid will be on the floor.

My question is, if there is a hole in the welsh plug , wouldn't it be leaking all the time considering it is under pressue, not just some times.

Would it become more obvious if i were to use one of those pumps that you fit at the radiator cap and pump up the pressue?

I am just trying to check that this is infact the problem. Any advise would be appreciated.

Also, if the motor does have to come out to get the welsh plugs done, should i get the rear main seal done at the same time. Is this a simple seal to replace or would they have to drop the crank?

Once again any advise would be appreciated.

Cheers.

[strgas]

welsh plugs will slowly rust thru and the hole will get bigger and bigger as time goes by , they can leak or weep for awhile until the hole gets big enough to leak constantly , if the engine comes out then have the rear main seal replaced can be done without crank removal using a sneaky pete tool , dont take it to the holden stealership as they rip you off find a good local mechanic as your friends where they take their cars to be worked on

[blo304]

Mate just keep it as is youll be fine, and youll join the other thousands of 5Ls with oil leaks and topping up your water evevery now and then... Dealerships are the worst, no offence to some.. You will not "cook" your engine either lol just keep an eye on your temp gauge if your worried..

For the time being if the leaks at the front are really a problem which i doubt get yourself a genuine vs service manual online and have a go at replacing the front crank seal, timing cover gasket and valley gasket.. Its all pretty basic and will cost you around $20 in parts.

If your not up to it then take it to a general mechanic not a dealer. Unless your in Adelaide then ill do it on the weekend as a cashy lol

[VR38]

Maybe a heater or coolant bypass hose if it is leaking that close to the front of the motor.

[vs ute III]

Thanks for the suggestions guys.

I might just keep an eye on things and see if water leak gets worse.