Oil leak

L

louieglen

Senior Member
I have a 1931 tudor. the engine runs very well no noise or smoke. My problem is leaking oil out of the back main. It doesn't leak while running, but when you shut it off it will drip a couple tablespoons of oil. Two quesions. One why doesn't it leak while running, and two is there an easy fix?
 
Like Mike and BIghammer say, don't worry about this - you don't have a problem These cars are like dogs - they mark their territory!
As for why doesn't it leak while running, that is when the oil escapes. While the engine is running, the oil is prevented from dropping out of the bell housing by the spinning flywheel which keep throwing it around inside the housing. Once it stops, the oil drains out
 
Your clearance is a little large, shaft and or maybe end play. Shims, and bolts not cemented in. A brand new rebuild will leak two spoons full, with out moving the crank, if you first dump a gallon of oil down the distributor hole, the oil will back up and run over the rear cap.

The more play in the shaft, it can't hold back the oil in the pipe as tightly.

Herm.
 
If the few drops of oil really bother you, buy a REAR MAIN JANITOR from Snyder's, Page A-127, item #A-6768. Put a couple of folded paper towels in the bottom and change every few weeks. They work great!!:)
 
I was shown a small type of a pan that connects or bolts. to that part of the motor that catches the oil, I forgot what the piece or part is called. I know they sell it.
 
Mitch I was thinking the same thing --most times when driving the A I end up at my brothers, his driveway has a pretty good incline -(for south jersey), and I always park the most likely way to make the rear main leak ----not a drop, although occasionally when sitting for weeks a few drops come out.

I read the owners instruction book---it says the oil level should be no more than up to the F -----I know that when the level is to the top of the "F" it will leak a little out the rear after a fast drive ---but if I keep in below the "F" by about another F there is normally not even 1 drop when parked for 1 hour ----this is with a stock to original spec rear main and "seal" system ----2 shims each side,hylomar on the shims, clearance of the slinger to the cap and and seal equal
 
Y-Blockhead said:
I
Have you checked your oil level recently. :rolleyes:
Click to expand...

the oil is always at the full mark and it has normal oil pressure:rolleyes:
now i'm more worried, i hope it starts leaking soon:cool:

i am open to all suggestions, now i am thinking to make more blow-by or add shims:confused:
 
Last edited:
On long, higher speed runs, most Model A's throw a little oil out the filler pipe. It runs down the side of the block, disappears behind the starter, & drips off the flywheel housing, making you believe it's a rear engine leak. Some put an old sock over the filler pipe, to prevent this. Running 1/2 Qt low helps this also.
Bill W.
 
Gerald D. Walker said:
If the few drops of oil really bother you, buy a REAR MAIN JANITOR from Snyder's, Page A-127, item #A-6768. Put a couple of folded paper towels in the bottom and change every few weeks. They work great!!:)
Click to expand...

Y-Blockhead said:
I use a feminine napkin in mine... change it once a month. :cool::cool:
Click to expand...
I cut some of these to the shape of the "janitor" and replace them "occasionally"
 

Attachments

  • Oil-Sorbent-Pad-1HEH7_AS01.jpg
    Oil-Sorbent-Pad-1HEH7_AS01.jpg
    3.2 KB · Views: 16
Mitch//pa said:
the oil is always at the full mark and it has normal oil pressure:rolleyes:
now i'm more worried, i hope it starts leaking soon:cool:

i am open to all suggestions, now i am thinking to make more blow-by or add shims:confused:
Click to expand...

Probably be better to just get rid of it. I'll take it off your hands so you don't have to worry about it.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top