30 new rebuild engine leaking oil

bluzrocker

bluzrocker

Member
How nice to have joined your FORUM seems like a place I should have found years ago...
Have had engine rebuilt and was talked into the newer Chevy front and rear seals installed by machinist...but the rear one leaks pretty good..
My Dads car and he was upset at the constant leak...the machinist is miles and miles away I we will probably have to correct our selves..

so any thoughts before we consider pulling the motor or suggestions?

Tx in advance
 
Ok so let's understand that they all LEAK. Is it a dime size leak, is it leaving a puddle the size of a plate? Their are so many forum conversations on this it is hard to know where to start but as spdway said call the builder first.
 
Are you postive it is the rear seal leaking? There are two holes into the rear of the bell housing that allow the two shift rods (terminology?) on the transmission tower to slide forward. They will allow 600 wt oil from the transmission to enter the bell housing and drip out of the hole with the cotter key at the bottom of the bell housing. There is a kit that you can install to seal these openings and clear up what often looks to be an engine leak.
 
Possible rear main oil leaks;
Anaerobic type sealer not used between the rear cap/shim(s)/block
Oil seal area on crank cut too deep
Oil drain tube not installed or screwed in too deep
Gasket between block and flywheel cover left out or not sealing around the end of the camshaft
Rear cork main to pan not sealed at corners or not trimmed to proper fit
Pan gasket tabs at rear not in slot
Rear main oil seal casting in block not RTV'ed into place
Off the top of my head the ones listed are the ones I can think of.
Depending on what work was done by your Dad and done by the builder, he still needs to contact the builder to see what was done.
 
Hey Bluz,
Hm, that's not a good thing....and neither is THE probable answer..bummer ! Since you say that the machinist 'talked into and did install', I'd take the engine back to him...for sure. As this problem, most likely, cannot be fixed by other than machinist. That is, if he did not properly cut/polish the crank area, where the rear seal installs, he may have to weld and recut/polish crank for seal to properly do its' job ! Chev is TWO piece seal and that's why I do not like them. I just installed a Burtz, which is a one piece seal and special holder (made by Dan4Banger..back east).
Just hope that the machinist/installer did not put proper sealer in proper places and that that's all it takes to fix problem. Good luck :) !!
 
bluzrocker said:
How nice to have joined your FORUM seems like a place I should have found years ago...
Have had engine rebuilt and was talked into the newer Chevy front and rear seals installed by machinist...but the rear one leaks pretty good..
My Dads car and he was upset at the constant leak...the machinist is miles and miles away I we will probably have to correct our selves..

so any thoughts before we consider pulling the motor or suggestions?

Tx in advance
Click to expand...

First call the machinist!
Second, unless the machinist is a perfectionist and the surfaces are absolutely centered and have a mirror finish they will leak.

I too have an engine with those seals and it leaks like the Exxon Valdes.
 
Several things to cover before condemning the engine and rebuilder . Has the breather tube been checked? Is the engine too full
I just had a fellow yesterday . He didn't have his dipstick all the way down and kept adding oil I think almost 7 quarts

They all will leak , yes there are issues but I wouldn't get too excited until all the bases are covered properly .
Larry s
 
Thanks for all who have give possible reasons and solutions..My Dad has contacted the builder and have begun to seek solutions...it's sad after complerte rebuild and have a Valdez type leak....

Bluzrocker
 
well you guys have given advise that I used today

re: leaking engine oil....so I started w/ the oil pan bolts and sure as heck...they were all loose and put at least 1 full turn on every one in three steps...now will see..looked like the oil was running out of the front area and dripping towards the rear ...

SO thanks for the great advice...wow

Bluzrocker
 
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