Delica Canada | Mitsubishi Van Club

So recently I've made a hobby out of changing my timing belt(s).

Started with replacing the waterpump because of a failed o-ring, and broken balance belt. I foolishly elected NOT to replace the oil seals at that time. I was not convinced I could put it all back together so I didn't want to keep taking more apart. That went well enough, now she runs better with the new balance belt and all. But then a minor oil leak reached the embarrassing amount of oil stage. I had seen some oil under the crankshaft sprockets so off everything went and in went new seals.

Now she is back together and still leaking oil. I cleaned her all up and near as I can figure oil is seeping from the joint between the oil pump and the block. I assume there must be a gasket? Also checked all the hoses and turbo and they are definitely not the main source of oil. I haven't found any other posts regarding such a leak, so before I take all the belts off again I'm looking for input. Could it be something else?

It's possible for it to leak from the gasket between the oil pump and the block, but it's uncommon. Usually it's the crank/balance shaft seals, or the oil cooler/filter fittings that weep.

The oil pump has a gasket between it and the block, but grey silicone between itself and the sump. To remove the oil pump you need to remove the sump and oil pickup tube anyway: it's a horrible job.

I would clean that area *really well*, spray with foot powder, and then watch for leaks. Just in case it's coming from somewhere else (which would be good!)

Foot powder?

Talcum powder, but comes in a spray can (possibly also medicated but whatever). Much easier to apply to an engine than trying to dust regular talc.

Absorbs oil and reveals the source of leaks. Sometimes oil leaks from higher up and collects on lower things, making it look like the lower things are leaking.

Thanks Growlerbearnz - I was hoping your would weigh in.

I cleaned and looked again, definitely oil coming the joint between the oil pump and the gasket, at the top. In what i thought to be a rather futile effort my partner tightened all the bolts he could reach at the front of the engine, under and behind the belts. And now the thing doesn't seem to be leaking, at least not in any serious way. I suppose a couple of bolts go through the oil pump to the block? I'm happy to leave it at this for the time being. I've got other issues to explore.