tracking down oil leak - already replaced valve cover and cam actuator seals

[order77]

I have a 2015 1.4 L turbo that has been experiencing some oil leak issues. At first it was and oil leak that would collect under the engine on the passenger side, and the occasional white smoke from under my hood. It was obvious that my valve cover gasket had failed so I replaced the entire valve cover and gasket.

The white smoke has since disappeared but the oil drips on the passenger side still seem to be there. After a bit of reading it seemed that the cam actuator seal could be a likely failure point, so I replaced both of them but I am still experiencing with the oil leak.

I'm worried that I've exhausted the cheapest and easiest sources for oil leaks and that this is a bit of a lost cause, but what are the next most likely sources of oil I should expect to look at?

 

[Slazster]

You have to make sure your PCV system is solid. I know there are good write ups on this forum regarding the PCV system. Check out Andre's write up about the PCV system. If something is wonky, you will absolutely have oil leaks. Some of the main culprits are the intake manifold losing its check valve, the diaphragm in the valve cover (I know you replace this) and the turbo check valve going bad (plastic pipe from your intake manifold to the turbo). On the passenger side, the things that leak oil can be the cam seals, crank seal or the valve cover gasket. Did you add RTV to where the timing cover meets the block?

Hope this helps.

 

[83Daytona]

Did you end up getting this figured out? I am suspecting that my Oil Cooler is leaking but it’s buried under the exhaust manifold / turbo…so I am not in a hurry to fix this. I did just do a complete revamp on my PCV system by rerouting it to the air intake and blocking off the return line to the turbo. Hoping this helps by providing a continuous vent for the PCV system. I also replace the cam phaser gaskets and valve cover gasket. If my oil leak Persists (and mine is also leaking on to the mid pipe connection and causing smell and white smoke) I think i might just let it leak. I’m at 130k, I don’t see myself getting rid of the car immediately but certainly not a forever car.

 

[airmech827]

I am also experiencing an oil leak. Mine appears to be coming from the oil cooler. Does anyone know if I can swap it out (I have a replacement on hand) without having to remove the turbo/exhaust manifold setup? FYI, i am at 235k on a 2012 sedan.

 

[Jeffery123]

I am also experiencing an oil leak. Mine appears to be coming from the oil cooler. Does anyone know if I can swap it out (I have a replacement on hand) without having to remove the turbo/exhaust manifold setup? FYI, i am at 235k on a 2012 sedan.

I just put a new oil cooler and timing cover gasket on mine, but you have to remove the exhaust manifold to get the oil cooler. Best of luck.