Hi, I think I just solved an oil leak problem but wanted to check here to be sure. My 93 240 has been leaking oil badly, like a quart/300miles, and I couldnt find where it was coming from. It would drip or flow off the AT cooling lines just under the bell housing and apparently from somewhere up above. I checked the flametrap and it was plugged but a few holes were open so it did pass some pressure. After cleaning it, the drip appears to be gone. Could that really have been the problem?

Thanks, Art

Art

On my '93 940, the flametrap had 3 holes "open", i.e. you could see the light through them. Replacing the flametrap cured the all oil leaks in about 4 weeks, even though I was skeptical at first. I guess at higher revs the flow of blowby is big enough to build up pressure even if a couple of holes are open.

So I guess that was really your problem, just as it was in my case.

Cheers, Kuba

Regarding the oil leak, it might have been coming down your rear cam seal (you can't see it).

When the flame trap cloggs up, it often blows the seal out or partly out. Put your finger behind and see if you can push it in, it would be a good idea. IPD sells a retainer for this actually, but if the engine and PCV is running healthy you really don't need it.

If/when you change the cam cover gasket, get a new rear cam seal too, both are cheap under 20$ for both.

Ciao,
Greg Mustang
Montreal - Ottawa
Canada

It sounds as if it was the problem. A few holes aren't usually enough. At least you found it and cleaned it before it got much worse.
--
Chris Herbst, near Chicago.

"A few holes" won't get the job done. I would guess you found your cause. You need to make sure the nipple off of the side of the holder is open. A 1/16" drill bit works well for cleaning that out. The hose that connects that to the brass fitting on the manifold can start to clog and create pressure. The brass fitting on the manifold needs to be cleaned as well- again the drill bit works great. Neglect any of those and pressure can build. It doesn't take much to completely unseat one of the seals and then you have a real bad day.

Randy