Renault Espace (2002 - ) - 2004 2.2DCi Inlet manifold oil leak

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Fri 29 Aug 2008 11:13
2004 2.2DCi Inlet manifold oil leak - renaultneveragain
The latest problem that our Renault dealer is reporting with our Espace (50k miles) is that there is an oil leak from the inlet manifold. It's nothing to do with the turbo because they have just replaced that, but I don't understand why there would be any oil feeds at the inlet manifold?

They say they need to remove the injector circuit and remove the injectors and in doing so, they would need to replace the injector seatings and feed pipes, cost £832+VAT assuming the manifold itself needs replacing.

Does anyone know the workings of this engine well enough to confirm whether there is actually any oil passing through the inlet manifold that could give rise to a leak, because the diagnosis sounds a little unlikely to me?

Thanks, Rob
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Fri 29 Aug 2008 14:03
2004 2.2DCi Inlet manifold oil leak - Screwloose
It's nothing to do with
the turbo because they have just replaced that


Oh yes? Why was that changed? Failed turbos [and dodgy recons] can spray oil into the inlet tract - there's usually quite a bit of "oilyness" in there anyway.

So, if this oil is coming from the inlet manifold; is it split and leaking boost? Or is this a compression leak around the base of one - or more - injectors? Removing injectors can go pear-shaped and escalate very quickly if one won't come out.
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Fri 29 Aug 2008 15:06
2004 2.2DCi Inlet manifold oil leak - renaultneveragain
thanks for your comments - the turbo was changed due to 'excessive play'. I had noticed it had been whining on acceleration.

Since posting I have asked for a better description of the leak and I quote the reponse:
"The inlet manifold is incorporated in the camshaft cover and what is leaking is the gasket between the cylinder head and the camshaft/manifold cover
As previously advised we wont know if a new manifold will be required until we dismantle."

This at least seems pluasible, although it is a terrible design if the whole injector circuit needs stripping out to replace a camshaft cover. I remenber the days when a rocker cover gasket was a 30 minute job on a saturday morning and didn't need half the engine stripping down.

In view of your injector warning, I think I may just collect the car and PX it - we were planning on selling it anyway.
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Fri 29 Aug 2008 15:40
2004 2.2DCi Inlet manifold oil leak - Screwloose

If you were planning on selling it soon - don't touch it - just bin it.

[Just don't buy another one....]
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If you cover no more than 100 miles per day and have easy access to a charging point at home or work, then an EV is ideal for you.

Is an electric car right for me?