Oil Leak in Fuel Pump area......Frustrating

[Nick M.]

I've had a leak in the Fuel pump area for a while now on my 66 327/350 engine.

I have changed the Valve cover gaskets, sealed with gasket sealer top and bottom

Changed out and resealed Fuel pump mounting plate and Fuel pump using gasket sealer, don't think any leaks coming from there

Front Seal of Intake manifold is good.

I am frustrated with this, not a lot of oil, but drips form on the steering components and frame in this area after every drive.

Where else would you think of looking?

Any help would be appreciated

Thanks

[William C.]

Re: Oil Leak in Fuel Pump area......Frustrating

Timing cover seal? Got many miles? Wear can develop in the area where the seal meets the shaft on the balancer and will cause a leak, search the archives for more.

[Joseph K.]

Re: Oil Leak in Fuel Pump area......Frustrating

Some times it is the fuel pump it self, head gasket front main bearing, oil pan gasket, intake manifold gasket, etc. the best wa way to chase it down is to wipe everything clean. Then after a drive follow the oil trail.

[Clem Z.]

Re: Oil Leak in Fuel Pump area......Frustrating

I've had a leak in the Fuel pump area for a while now on my 66 327/350 engine.

I have changed the Valve cover gaskets, sealed with gasket sealer top and bottom

Changed out and resealed Fuel pump mounting plate and Fuel pump using gasket sealer, don't think any leaks coming from there

Front Seal of Intake manifold is good.

I am frustrated with this, not a lot of oil, but drips form on the steering components and frame in this area after every drive.

Where else would you think of looking?

Any help would be appreciated

Thanks

make sure there is a bolt in the front motor mount hole that goes into the fuel pump cavity

[Nick M.]

Re: Oil Leak in Fuel Pump area......Frustrating

Thank you for all the replys

I hope it is not the front crankshaft seal as I had the radiator and shroud out a short time ago.

I will follow up on all the suggestions,

I appreciate all the help

[Edward J.]

Re: Oil Leak in Fuel Pump area......Frustrating

Nick, sometimes the fuel pump diaphragm fails, There is a hole in the backside of the pump that will push oil out while running, sometimes while the car is running on a lift you can see the oil being pushed out.

[John H.]

Re: Oil Leak in Fuel Pump area......Frustrating

make sure there is a bolt in the front motor mount hole that goes into the fuel pump cavity

Photo below shows that shipping bolt (3/8"-16 x 1/2"); if it's missing, the hole will be the source of an oil leak.


ShippingBoltHoleSBC.jpg

[Philip P.]

Re: Oil Leak in Fuel Pump area......Frustrating

On 1960 small block there is a bolt on the front of the engine that is treaded into the fuel pump rod area. May be leaking there. This is a guess as it has been some time since I had anything to do with 327 but I think it is the same.
Phil

[Dick W.]

Re: Oil Leak in Fuel Pump area......Frustrating

Find someone with a blacklight. Clean that area, dump a bottle of dye, that is made for that purpose, in the crankcase, drive the car 25-50 miles and then check it for leaks with the black light. Your leak more than likely will be very small at the point of origin, but a little oil does not take long to make a mess.

[Philip P.]

Re: Oil Leak in Fuel Pump area......Frustrating

John,
That"s the bolt, it has been a while but wasn't that mounting used in early Chevrolets for motor mounting. At least in 1957 if my memory is correct maybe earlier.
Phil

[Joe L.]

Re: Oil Leak in Fuel Pump area......Frustrating

John,
That"s the bolt, it has been a while but wasn't that mounting used in early Chevrolets for motor mounting. At least in 1957 if my memory is correct maybe earlier.
Phil

Phil------


Yes, these were used for the motor mount for passenger cars through the 1957 model year

[Joe L.]

Re: Oil Leak in Fuel Pump area......Frustrating

make sure there is a bolt in the front motor mount hole that goes into the fuel pump cavity

clem-----


... and make sure that sealer is used on that bolt.

[Larry B.]

Re: Oil Leak in Fuel Pump area......Frustrating

Upper front motor mount bolt hole can leak.Plug with short bolt, to long will hit fuel pump pushrod.

[Tom L.]

Re: Oil Leak in Fuel Pump area......Frustrating

Had a similar issue with my '72 last month, would have drop of oil on the bottom of the pump after every run and a little on the linkage and frame directly behind the pump. The seal that protects the oil from the diaphram leaked. Replaced the pump, no more leak. It was a big block though, not sure if the same applies. good luck!!

[Paul J.]

Re: Oil Leak in Fuel Pump area......Frustrating

Find someone with a blacklight. Clean that area, dump a bottle of dye, that is made for that purpose, in the crankcase, drive the car 25-50 miles and then check it for leaks with the black light. Your leak more than likely will be very small at the point of origin, but a little oil does not take long to make a mess.

You can also use an incandescent blacklight bulb (if you can still find them). It will work with the dyes for oil, anti freeze, and freon. I keep one in my toolbox and use it with my trouble light. It makes short work of chasing down leaks.