IMS?

RMS looks like it was leaking. I've had small drops on garage floor for a long time and finally got together parts for clutch/FW replacement. Car has 123K miles and is daily driver for past 7 yrs. Is this residue from RMS? Cleaned it all up (dont have a pic) late last night and will check today if there's any leaking around IMS flange. However, when cleaning, noticed that the lower right bolt on flange was very lose (could turn it with my hand). As I unscrewed it, some oil poured out. I'm thinking I need to order LN retrofit but don't have CAM locking tool needed before I remove flange today to try to determine what bearing I have here. All thoughts or suggestions appreciated.

Phwew! Where to begin? #1 - Don't remove the flange without removing the chain tensioner(s)! #2 - Have you dropped the sump/cut your oil filter(s) open in the past? Any debris? #3 - There's a good video out on the PCA website outlining the 4 stages of IMSB failure - you should watch it so you have an idea of what to look for. #4 - do lots of reading/research before you start taking stuff apart #5 - It's also a good idea to have some reference material ("101 Projects", Bentley 996 service manual, etc...). Good luck!

Thx deporto. I've not dropped the sump, but, have always cut open the oil filter every oil change to look for debris, it's always been clean… I did watch the video yesterday and cringed when I heard him say that he has not seen an RMS leak in a long time! Thx…

Well, it does look like the RMS is at least "weeping", so it may be the original seal which often leaked. That you've watched that video is good - so your hope is going to be that if your IMSB has been compromised (which it clearly has if it's leaking oil) that you catch it before it's gets to level 3 or 4 failure. If you haven't had any debris in your oil, a retrofit should be successful

I asked for clarification on the video from Flat 6. If the IMS is leaking from the center stud, then the bearing is probably in trouble. If its leaking from the outside of the flange its just the flange seal.

Looks like someone has been in there before and changed the original case fasteners from hex head bolts to the new Torx Bolts. Both on the RMS and the IMS cover. Sure looks like you have a weeper there.

This engine has been retrofitted with an LN Engineering IMSR product. The flange tells this story clearly. The leak does look like it is originating from above the IMS flange. That said, due to the location of the O ring in the LN IMS flange, a leak from the center stud is very, very rare.

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First, thank you so much for the help/feedback! So, are you saying that the LN IMS flange is not leaking (and it would also be not likely at all that the leak is coming from the center stud)? I will remove and inspect the sump for debris. Assuming it's good, can I remove the IMS flange bolts one at a time and reinstall with loctite?

First thing I would do is clean everything really well . The rms looks like it�s leaking for sure. The ims is probably not leaking but cleaning the area really well will help you figure out if it is . the l&n flange is pretty robust , unless it�s obviously leaking I�d leave it alone . Unless the mileage on it is so high you�re going to change it . Otherwise I�d put a new updated rear seal in , new clutch disk and button it back up

Did you wipe the flange at all before you took this pic? I ask because a leak will usually clean everything below it pretty well. While mist/weep will mostly catch dirt, similar to the area below the RMS. The lower flange bolts are often below the oil level so if one of your flange bolts was loose a lot of that may have been oil migrating out along the threads.

No, that pic was taken before cleaning/wiping anything… bolts tightened and going to check tonight if there's any seepage anywhere. Thx for all the feedback and help guys!

This one was mostly leaking from the left side bolt. You can see that by how clean it is underneath it. DO NOT remove the flange until you have the engine locked at TDC and cam lock in the cam, on the alternator side, at least. What year is this? You can remove the flange bolts one at a time to reseal them. If you don't know how long ago the LN bearing was installed you might consider replacing it. Ask someone near you might have the tools to loan.

Thx…. Charles thinks it's likely a 10 yr old LN Retrofit and as such, sould have it replaced… Appreciate the help!

If you haven't purchased any parts yet, check out www.warehouse33auto.com -Jason

since this is a shallow flange, does that confirm dual row bearing? or, do i have to remove to confirm?

What year is your car?

its a 2001, so, could have either bearing. and the LN flanges are all the same depth so there's no way of knowing if it's dual or single row until removed. Thx!