TR4/4A Oil leak at/on fuel pump

[RJS]

I almost certainly have an oil leak where the fuel pump enters the engine block. So, I plan to remove and reseal this spring. But, I am also getting oil pooling/collecting on the top of the fuel pump. I periodically have to wipe the top of the fuel pump (the round part where the 6 flathead screws are) with a rag.

How is this possible? Any ideas?

Thanks

Bob

 

[TR3driver]

Leaks from higher up are frequently mis-identified, because the oil collects at lower points. Some prime candidates would be the rocker cover gasket, or the hex plug on the back corner of the head. Pushrod tubes can also leak sometimes.

 

[RJS]

Strange thing is engine is perfectly dry above the fuel pump. Top of fuel pump where it mounts to the engine is dry too. The oil is only in the recesses of the top of the fuel pump inside the 6 scerws.

 

[TFB]

Strange thing is engine is perfectly dry above the fuel pump. Top of fuel pump where it mounts to the engine is dry too. The oil is only in the recesses of the top of the fuel pump inside the 6 scerws.

Any chance its gasoline residue.I had an oily build up in same area and it was a weepy fuel line compression fitting leak.
Tom

 

[RJS]

Now that you mention it, that's a good thought. I'll see if I can isolate it to that.

 

[KVH]

I've suspected my pump housing causing oil leaks, but it's never panned out after a thorough check. Once I even wasted the time to replace the gasket. I think my leak was from the push rod tube, mainly, but I also had a leak at the valve cover that ran backward and dripped down. Oil leaks are so hard to find.

 

[sp53]

Perhaps there is no oil leak and what you are seeing are oil fumes condensation back on the top of the fuel pump from the open breather underneath it if your 4 has one. That is if the amount oil is small, a little oil makes a big spot because oil molecules lay more horizontal than most liquids.

 

[RJS]

So, it appears TFB was correct. It was not oil, but gasoline pooling on top of the fuel pump. When I checked earlier today (now that car is out of winter storage) the ferrule nuts on the compression fittings in/out of the fuel pump were rather loose and could stand some tightening.

Bob