Okay - what's stealing my oil?

[j2k4]

Waiting for stereo stuff and another weekend to resume the installation, so I took my 92 RT TT for a spin after doing the 120K (more like a 140K, but the 60 was done late, best I can reckon it was more like 85K), 13Cs, Stillen DP, plugs, wires, etc.

I knew the exhaust was still loaded with oil from the blown turbo, and I was pretty sure I had an exhaust leak on the rear bank, possibly from the VC right behind the cam gear.

First indication I had was when I brought it home in Jan.; I drove home, about 17 miles, without incident - when I got to the village, I bypassed in order to keep going, nice day, more miles towards MTC's recommendation (essentially, stay out of boost for 100-200 miles), and in the process had to climb the first rise in elevation all the way home.

Just as I decided to keep on, here comes a load of white/blue exhaust, that basically dies just after I crest the hill - I see a bit more on the long uphill drag out of town, about a mile-and-a-half...I pull off, pop the hood, ascertain a leak, check the oil (still FULL) and head for home, about three miles.

Pull in, shut-down.

Generally dispersed oil-film, back of engine; dries out as I begin work - doesn't look bad, not worried.

Other day, Missus J says she's gonna take it out of storage, cuz it's apparently spring and I'm gonna be driving it, so now it's baby the leak until I can get on my buddy's hoist for a look-see.

I took it out today, ran it fifteen miles, stopped, observed the "leak" (smoke from cooking oil, check the stick, all's well.

Drove it another 55 miles, observed the puff on uphills and a few long left-handers; behaved myself (no boost) and pulled-in, checked the stick, and I'm down a fat quart.

Good press and temp, and I can pick out a spot on the head's milled gasket-surface that the VC doesn't cover, right behind the cam-gear, and a shiny-wet column-boot (from the bellows-portion of the upper) down to the top of the rack.

That's one healthy-ass leak.

I am also mortified to admit I can't get under the car when it's on the 4-corner ramps to see what's going on, but that's equal parts too fat/poor-sighted to do it.

I can get it to where I need it to fix it, but I'm sure I can count on a bit of feedback from you fellows in the meantime.

Others may be inclined...otherwise, I guess.

[jake stealth]

Take a look at this -

Eristic Gaskets - problematic camshaft seals. - 3000GT/Stealth International Message Center

Had a similar situation and looked for a long time over many months before I found it. My leak was not as bad as yours but this still might be worth looking into. I'd also recomment replacing the valve cover gasket - they can be tricky.

Good luck - get back and tell us what you find out.