club.liberty.asn.au

I have recently acquired a 2005 3.0 spec b 160000kms 6spd m, my first subbie. The engine oil is leaking and I intend to get that fixed and keep the car. Brought my car to workshop and the guy reckon it's the rocker gasket seal that needs to be replaced, had a look by myself it's all wet at the bottom of the engine.
I'm thinking to have the engine bay clean and detail, drive for a few days then pull out the engine to pin point the part that is actually leaking, can't say it's 100% accurate but better than replacing the rocker seal just because it's wet.
I'm hoping anyone with experience in this can point me a better direction or your opinion in dealing with the problem.
TIA, cheers !

Sounds like a good starting plan (clean up then spotting fresh leaks).

Apart from the leak I'm also wondering what are other parts to be replaced when the engine is out, pretty sure none of the parts have been replaced. I know spark plugs is hidden behind the engine and can only be replaced when the engine is out, other post on the forum also suggest replacing timing chain tensioner. What are the parts and where is the best place to acquire them ?

I didn't realise you were looking to pull the engine out.

It's one of those "how long is a piece of string" questions as to what deserves a freshen-up on the engine. With an unlimited budget you would have the whole thing rebuilt (or get a spare engine built to drop-in). With a lesser budget, a lot of gaskets, hoses, the timing chain, etc. would be replaced.

I'm pretty sure spark plugs can be changed with the engine in the car. It's true of a 4 cylinder and the 6 cylinder boxer engine isn't that much different.

H6 timing case oil leaks are common.
This can be done with the engine installed, so long as the leak is between the front and rear cover. If the leak is between the rear cover and the heads/block, then it may be worth pulling the motor as it would probably take the same amount of time in the car.
If the engine is out and the rear timing cover off, you are then 3/4 of the way through a head gasket replacement so you need to make the call if doing that as well is worth it.

Spark plugs can be replaced with the engine in the car. It just looks harder to do than it actually is.

Iirc cam covers is not an engine out job.

Regardless, consider inspecting coilpacks and spark plugs.

Pbms timing chain tensioner upgrade.

Check for oil leaks on top of the engine, eg cam sensors, oil pressure sensors, avcs and alvs solenoids.

Use an eBay UV dye and torch kit to source oil leaks on a cleaned block.

Hey benny have you used or seen those PBM tensioners used? I can't find any info or pictures on them..

Possum Bourne Motorsport in NZ.

Someone some where has done it, can’t remember who or where tho.

To be safe I replaced all the chains, tensioners and guides on mine with OEM when I did the head gaskets. Prices are not too bad if you source them from Partsoq.

The old ones showed minimal signs of wear at 180,000kms with regular oil changes and punishment every time I drive it! I figure this set will see me out.

Ok now I have read all your replies I am convinced that it can be done without pulling out the engine.
So which mechanic in Sydney is experience enough to pull that off (no pun intended) ? Or willing to take your parts and doesn't leave a screw out when they do the job.

While there they should also replace the belts and pulley bushings. Cheap but if one fails you can be stuck without electrical power somewhere in the middle of the night.......
good news it is not a timing belt so engine won’t get eaten if it goes.....