[paraplan]

Today I discovered an oil leak under HPFP. Does anyone know what this could be? Not valve cover and not OFH. It looks like HPFP gasket failure but I've never seen anyone having this problem before.

[BioChemBro]

The vacuum pump seals (or casing itself in my experience) that sits behind the HPFP might be cracked

This happened to me before, and oil leaked just like in your picture

Fortunately it's a fairly inexpensive and easy diy

[paraplan]

Originally Posted by BioChemBro

The vacuum pump seals (or casing itself in my experience) that sits behind the HPFP might be cracked

This happened to me before, and oil leaked just like in your picture

Fortunately it's a fairly inexpensive and easy diy

Do you need to take off manifold and HPFP to get to the vacuum pump? Do you happen to have link to the DYI?
I also found this kit, seems to be the right solution.
https://www.rkxtech.com/products/rkx...reseal-kit-n54

[paraplan]

Found this manual
Yes, manifold, hphp, drive belt & tensioner need to go out before you can access vacuum pump. Seems like special tool is also required to do the job.
BioChemBro Am I overcomplicating this? Did you manage to do this job easier? Big thanks for the hint!

[BioChemBro]

I only followed the HPFP replacement diy from this site. I believe what You're referring to is the entire vacuum unit being replaced.

I forgot to mention, the seal/plate is a separate piece that's held on to the vacuum pump by three torx screws (on the HPFP side). All I needed to do was replace this plate and I was good.

[BioChemBro]

This link shows a good angle of the plate that needs replacing (but buy it used on eBay, wayyy cheaper) https://m.eeuroparts.com/Parts/12794...p-11667519458/

Once those 3-4 torx screws come out, the plate just pops off. Mine was cracked, which was the cause of my oil leak.

[paraplan]

Originally Posted by BioChemBro

This link shows a good angle of the plate that needs replacing (but buy it used on eBay, wayyy cheaper) https://m.eeuroparts.com/Parts/12794...p-11667519458/

Once those 3-4 torx screws come out, the plate just pops off. Mine was cracked, which was the cause of my oil leak.

I see. Did you RTV the new plate? It looks like the RKX kit can be applied without fully removing the pump, jut like you mentioned it. Hope this is going to work out. Huge thanks!
BTW, do you happen to know the torque specs you used to bolt the plate? I guess it should be something between 10-17Nm

[juld0zer]

Depends which gasket is leaking. If it is the vacuum pump seal on the timing case side then it's a big job.

If it's the vacuum pump case seal or the seal between the vacuum pump and the HPFP then i imagine both can be done once the HPFP is removed. It's a cramped space to work in though.

The vacuum pump on 6cyl petrol engines of this era are about the only thing that almost never leaks, surprisingly.

[paraplan]

Originally Posted by juld0zer

Depends which gasket is leaking. If it is the vacuum pump seal on the timing case side then it's a big job.

If it's the vacuum pump case seal or the seal between the vacuum pump and the HPFP then i imagine both can be done once the HPFP is removed. It's a cramped space to work in though.

The vacuum pump on 6cyl petrol engines of this era are about the only thing that almost never leaks, surprisingly.

Yes, I agree. According to the realoem, the gasket between vacuum pump and timing case is a metal one, that's probably why it does not commonly fail. Everything else is rubber.