AirTrafficController

I've been posting about this oilpan leak off and on for months. I can't get it to stop. I am running out of time because Vettes on the boardwalk in Ocean City MD is only 2 weeks away.

Here's the problem:

• oil "weeps" from the lip of the oil pan, through the gasket and gasket sealant

Here's the history of the problem...

This is a new oil pan, new timing cover and new FelPro one piece gasket. This is the 6th time I have had it off the motor.

The old oilpan and old timing cover did the exact same thing.

After the motor was rebuilt, about 400 miles into it, it starts this leaking. At the time, I had a standard four-piece gasket. I replaced it with a Felpro one piece - still leaked.

I then replaced the timing chain cover - still leaked.

I then bought a new, correct oilpan from Corvette Central - still leaked.

I know that GM used two different sized gaskets. I have both. The old pan used the thinner one; the new pan uses the thicker one.

The timing chain cover was bought new from GM.

I have not overtorqued, nor under torqued the bolts.

I have tried using no sealant, a little sealant , and a lot of sealant (pictured below) and it still weeps from the front lip.

As the windstream from the fan catches the oil, it is lifting it up and spraying it all over the right side of the engine compartment, #2 plug boot, and all the way back to the starter.

I have systematically ruled-out any other locations for a leak.

It is definitely leaking from this spot and only this spot.

I don't know what else to do; I've never ever had a problem like this in 25 years of having Chevys.

Help, running low on oxygen

Mark

88'Cubka

https://host.globalsecureserver.com/...cat=272&page=1

Buy that and put light to medium coats on the gasket AND the metal surfaces. Rolles royce developed it to stop there oil leaks and we use it on turbines. Works wonders.

Oh, and even though we arn't supposed to use any sealant on the tranny pan gasket, it was the only thing that stopped the tranny from leaking on our 88.

noonie

Was there any grooves in the balancer?
How many miles on the balancer?

There is a thin repair sleeve available for the balancer to make the seal not leak.
A very common problem
Check it out.

1BAD80

Is it a closed system or PVC working properly ?
Lots of blow-by will push the oil out any opening.
Any oil around the breather ?

...Roger...

Make sure you have both timing chain cover studs in the block.
Make sure both are protruding through the timing chain cover.

AirTrafficController

'88 Cubka - thanks for the link: I will try it.

Noonie - there were grooves, and I did use the special seal for worn balancers. It is not leaking from the balancer seal. It's completely dry when I put my finger up there and the inside of the balancer is dry and clean.


1bad80 - It is a closed system, no breather cap, but it does have the tube that goes to the air cleaner. PCV valve on the the other rocker cover is working to my knowledge, but I will test drive with valve off and see if there's a difference. Thanks!

DWncchs - I have been concentrating on the timing cover, re-checking the bolts. The studs are sticking through.


It's really strange. I can run it at 2500 on jack stands, and watch it drip from the sealant. It's a hydralic situation; the oil is somehow permeating the gasket and sealant. Seems the only way it could do that is with pressure, but how?

I wiped everthing off again and am going to test drive it. Will post tonight what happened.

Thanks all!

1BAD80

This stuff is suppose to work good for finding leaks.
A Google search finds a few of these systems, about $45.00

Manufacturer: Tracer Products

TP8124CS

Leak Finder™ Fluid Only Leak Detection Kit

Features and Benefits:

Finds all these leaks:
Motor oil (Diesel and Gasoline)
Fuel (Diesel ad Gasoline)
Coolant
Automatic transmission fluid
Power steering fluid
Hydraulics (Not for Brake Systems)
Clamshell Package Contains:
(1) Titan UV / Blue lamp (Model TP-8100) 12-Volt, high intensity, instant-on, 10 Ft. cord, clips to auto battery
(1) 1 Oz. bottle of all-in-one dye for all oil-based fluids
(1) 1 Oz. bottle of dye-lite coolant dye for water-based fluids
(1) Fluorescence-enhancing glasses

chris75stingray

did you put sealant on both sides of the gasket? if theres no pressure pushing the oil out, you could just smear some rtv over the leak to stop it temporarily.

BigBlockk

Get a piece of clear tubing and make a manometer. With the engine running test for vacuum at the hose that goes from the air cleaner to the valve cover. If there is no vacuum the PCV system isn't working. There may even be a pressure. Do this test after a long drive with the engine at operating temp and without shutting it off. I've seen PCV hoses suck flat and seal themselves off allowing the crankcase to run in a pressure.

BigBlockk

Later.....

exdrag77

Wouldn't pulling the dipstick while running relieve any pressure in the pan? I would try that and see what happens.