Got to stop this oil leak !!

[chesapeake bill]

I've got to Stop this oil leak!!
Oil leak on Fly wheel ( on FW cover, not in housing) OK, pan drop completed, cleaned thick black sludge out of pan, all new gaskets installed (although the back cork-like gasket might have been cut 1/16 short it was hard to tell.. (so I put gasket sealer on edges as I thought that the cork would compress some as the pan was tightened) .. Now the leak is worst. What next? No oil in Fly Wheel cover but seems to be only on front of the cover. Could there be another seal up higher on the Flywheel that’s dripping down? Did I just screw up on the rear gasket? Do I need to drop it again #%&##! if so do I need to replace all the gaskets again? Advise please!
Location: Galena,MD
Posts: 32

 

[Dave in MN]

Follow the oil path to the top edges of the pan where it meets the cork gasket and the pan gasket. If it is leaking you should be able to trace it to the source. Since it appears the leak is worse after you reinstalled the pan, I would start by really studying the pan gaskets...including that cork gasket you think may be short. The other possibility is the flywheel housing gasket that covers the rear camshaft bore is leaking. It is possible both are leaking. Ouch! Yes, I think the pan will need to come off again. What concerns me is that the path of the oil is pretty wide spread as shown in the second photo. I usually see a narrower path... the wide path indicates a pretty sizeable leak area. Pay particular attention to the passenger side of the engine pan and gaskets as it appears to be limited to that side. I hope it goes better for you the next time.
Good Day!

 

[RHD]

I think Dave In MN is correct.
Just remember that an oil pan can easily double, and sometimes treble in weight, while you are holding it in place and lying on your back, to bolt it up to the block.

 

[chesapeake bill]

Thanks guys... two questions then .. on how big a deal is it to change the gasket of the "flywheel housing gasket that covers the rear camshaft bore" ? ( I have no idea?) and 2nd.. Do I need to replace the front and side(top) gaskets again? and New Oil of course.. Oh, I know about the weight ! It's quite a trick on your back under the car by yourself.. Did it once I can do it again...

 

[Dick Deegan]

Bill;

Unfortunately you will have to remove the engine to get at the gasket between the flywheel housing and the camshaft bore. I am in the process of doing that now.

Sorry the news isn't better.

Dick

 

[flatford39]

It's really not hard to remove the engine in these cars. If you never done it now would be a good time. I prefer working on an engine stand than on my back under the car.

 

[Dick Deegan]

I agree with flatford39. Working on an engine on an engine stand is much preferable to working on it laying on your back. You also do a much better job (adjusting bearings etc) with the engine out of the car. However, I hope that your leak is just the gasket at the back of the pan (the cork one) and you do not have to take the engine out.

Good luck and let us know what you find.

Dick

 

[1931 flamingo]

Gaskets are cheap. If I was going to do it a 2nd time laying on my back I certainly would install new gaskets. Especially if you have one that you know isn't right. JMO
Paul in CT