Hi All, hope you might be able to assist/advise.

I'm doing my best to determine the location of a top end oil leak currently affecting my 2012 4.4TDV8 Westminster. I initially had an oil leak beginning of the year which turned out to be the seals on the oil cooler. These, along with the known 'o' ring seals were replaced and the car was fine for a good few months.

I noticed a number of further drips on the drive a few weeks ago and the RH underside was exceptionally wet with oil. Took it back into the garage for them to clean it all off and diagnosed it as the RH rocker cover gasket. They informed me they tightened the bolts on the RH cover and all was well for around a week (500 miles completed approx.). Just noticed this morning the leak is back.

The thing that still puzzles me is there is standing puddles of oil on top of the inlet manifold and RH rocker cover. This seems so high up for oil to sit that surely it must be spraying out(which I've not observed).

Before I embark on the lengthy task of replacing the rocker cover gaskets I've attached a few photos showing the high puddling of oil. Are rocker cover gaskets a common leak location?

Bare in mind the car is just shy of 180k miles, whilst I love it and would hate to part with it I feel like the last 6 months have been constant problems!

It could be the oi cooler itself, not just the gaskets. it is 2 parts and they have been known to warp slightly, thus leaking oil. I had mine replaced and all is wonderful again.

Hi, I did wonder that. The only thing that would still be puzzling me is how the puddles of oil are getting up higher than the oil cooler. There is even oil staining to the underside of the engine cover which gives off the impression something is spraying up, even though its unlikely.

I'd take it to a recommended specialist for a second opinion. I use www.glenrands.co.uk and nobody else these days. Loan cars or am sure they'd drop you at local railway station. Tell then I sent you  2011 4.4 TDV8 Vogue SE Buckingham Blue with Ivory and clear glass = "Rory"
New Defender D300 90 on order so "Rory" will be going to a new home....!
1974 Series 3 Lightweight = "Millie"
My preferred specialist: www.glenrands.co.uk
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