Triumph Repair: Oil Leak from Ignition Coil Bracket??, engine oil leak, rod tubes

Question
Hi Howard,

Am I insane to suspect an engine oil leak coming from the bolts for the ignition coil bracket?  This is on a 1966 TR4A.  I wouldn't think so but, there's oil on the block immediately below the mounting bolts and, when I removed the bracket and fed a small wire into the bolt hole it travels into the block nearly 4" (making me think it goes right through the block).

I guess it's possible the oil is coming from the valve cover or push rod tubes but, there is very little evidence of oil up that high on the engine.

Thanks for putting up with what I suspect is a silly question.

Bob

Answer
Hi Bob,
If the hole goes 4" into the side of the block it may have been drilled too deep or it was close to popping through or someone in the past ran a too long bolt in and popped the end open into the block. It does not matter what caused it. You only need about 3/8th inch of threads to hold the bolt so I would just use a bolt that only extended about 3/8 inch past the coil bracket and coat the bolt threads with any gasket sealer when you install it.
Howard