c1 oil dripping

[paul bowers]

on my newly rebuilt 57 engine, when I crawled under the car there is a slight black oil drip coming from around a starter bolt area and running down the transmision clutch pan cover very slight but I know it has to come from somewhere, please dont't say that it requires major work just did (major) work
thanks for your imput
paul

[Joe L.]

Re: c1 oil dripping

Paul-----

TWO distinct possibilities:

1) Valve cover gasket leaks which "work their way down";

2) Rear main seal leak. A very strong possibility if you're using the original "rope-type" packing.

[Wayne P.]

Re: c1 oil dripping

Could be the intake manifold gasket, but most likely the road draft tube at that area, which would make it normal.

[paul bowers]

Re: c1 oil dripping

joe,
don't know what rope type, but I had engine completly out of car and completly rebuilt I mean everything new, lets hope it what other responder thinks draft tube blow by, but just asking what is involved in replaceing rear seal, does engine have to be taken out and also how can I determine if it is draft tube oil thanks
paul

[Joe L.]

Re: c1 oil dripping

Paul-----

It could very well be the road draft tube as Wayne mentioned. If you check the end of the road draft tube, you should find some oil. This could be where the other oil is originating. I don't know how to confirm that it is, though. One thing that, I suppose, you could do is to temporarily add a piece of rubber hose to the bottom of the draft tube in order to get the discharge to a lower point. Then, if the other oil problem clears up, you'll know that's the source.

[Joe L.]

Addendum

You don't need to remove the engine to replace the rear main seal if it should come to that. And, you obviously don't need to remove it to repair a valve cover gasket or intake manifold end seal leak, either.

[Robert Willis]

Re: Addendum

Oil pressure line leaking by the dist or no paper gasket under the dist ?????




Bob's Chevy Corner

[Rob Dame]

Re: c1 oil dripping

Don't worry too much about a slight leak, These old cars are almost as bad as old Harleys when it comes to leaks. Drive it and enjoy it.
When it starts to leave puddles the leak will be easier to find Rob

[paul bowers]

Re: c1 oil dripping

thanks to all you guys for all your imput you always have great advice
paul

[Clem Z.]

road draft tube oil leak

if you have a lot of oil comming out of the RDT better check to see if the "beer can" baffle is inside the tappet chamber