Hi all, I’m trying to diagnose an oil leak on a 2012 L322 Range Rover Westminster 4.4L V8. Had to replace the alternator this week as it looks like it has failed due to oil contamination. The leak seems quite substantial however I’ve not noticed any drops using the oil level display on the dashboard so I would imagine it’s pretty new. The oil seems to be focused around the right side of the engine. The left side seems predominantly dry.

The car will be back up on the ramps on Monday to investigate further. Are there any key areas which I should be checking ?

When the known issue of the oil cooler leaking happens, that throws oil down into the V of the engine which normally ends up down the back and over the gearbox underneath etc.

I’ve not heard of any other common oil leaks. It’s also a possibility someone has overtightened the oil filter housing, I’m an attempt to fix the aforementioned leak.

Not sure it would end up down one side though.

Does your coolant look good? No oil in it?

Just ruling out the known issue....

 2011 Range Rover Vogue SE 4.4 TDV8

Previous cars :
2003 Range Rover Vogue TD6
1999 Discovery Td5 ES
1995 BMW M5 3.8 6 speed
1992 Range Rover 3.9 Efi Vogue
1992 BMW M5 3.8
1988 BMW 735i SE
1989 Ford Sierra XR4x4 2.9i
1981 Ford Fiesta Supersport

Thanks mate. Am I right in thinking the oil coolers sit on the left too? I’ve attached a couple of pictures too. Have you ever known an oil leak on these engines to ruin an alternator?

Not heard the leak cause alternator failure. That does look like it’s leaking down the back though, get the to cover off and have a look in the V at the oil cooler. It’s part of the filter housing assembly, search on here loads on swapping the seals. Doable at home but some level of risk and skill involved!

Remove the rear cabin filter housing (2 bolts) and have a look down the back of the engine, see if the rear cooler o rings have gone. Again can do at home, cheap and easy.

Both are common faults, there aren’t any other common leaky areas tbh. There is nothing that can't be fixed with a hammer😜😜
FFRR 4.4 SDV8 Autobiography Santorini Black.
KIA E-Niro 4+
2021 Discovery 5 D300 MHEV commercial

The oil cooler is in the V of the engine, so central, slightly towards the rear. It can put a lot of oil out if left, but I would have thought you’d notice the oil level drop. That said, mine had it leaking that bad when I bought it, coolant was in oil and oil in coolant.

Not heard of a leak stuffing the alternator, but I suppose if it’s going everywhere.

It might not be that, but you should know for sure when it’s on the ramp.

Not aware of any other common leaks.

Folks with more ideas will comment I’m sure.

 2011 Range Rover Vogue SE 4.4 TDV8

Previous cars :
2003 Range Rover Vogue TD6
1999 Discovery Td5 ES
1995 BMW M5 3.8 6 speed
1992 Range Rover 3.9 Efi Vogue
1992 BMW M5 3.8
1988 BMW 735i SE
1989 Ford Sierra XR4x4 2.9i
1981 Ford Fiesta Supersport

Here was mine

https://www.fullfatrr.com/forum/topic35830...t=oil+leak

Could be a turbo leaking oil.... Gone to a good home: 2011 4.4 TDV8 Vogue SE Buckingham Blue with Ivory and clear glass = "Rory"
2025MY Defender D350 90 in Silicon Silver on coils
1974 Series 3 Lightweight = "Millie"
Many, many other Landies over the years
My preferred specialist: www.glenrands.co.uk
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If the top back of the engine is dry it could be the steering rack leaking. Mine was and looked just like your photo's.

Thanks all so much for the suggestions... I’ll have it up on the ramp again tomorrow and have a nose about.
That might be a good call on the steering rack. I believe I may of seen something on the previous MOT that mentioned it. I’ll let you know what I find.

Is it me or is having the oil filter housing located right on top of the block a poor design? Surely as soon as this is removed oil will run down the block?

You crack it off first and let the oil drain back into the sump before removing. Makes swapping the oil and filter a doddle. There is nothing that can't be fixed with a hammer😜😜
FFRR 4.4 SDV8 Autobiography Santorini Black.
KIA E-Niro 4+
2021 Discovery 5 D300 MHEV commercial