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small block chevy oil leak

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by mysteryman, May 5, 2012.

  1. mysteryman
    Joined: Apr 20, 2011
    Posts: 253

    mysteryman
    Member
    from atlanta

    i have a 350 leaking oil down the back of the motor(mainly passenger side) dripping on header.ive looked and cant see where its coming from.its loosing about 2 quarts on a 50 mile run and killing all the bugs in the air.valve covers look good.any suggestions.
     
  2. how do you know the valve cover gasket is good? does it have a mechanical oil pressure gage? if it does, check for a leak that could be shooting over to that side.
    clean the block and use a paper towel to find the oil by slowly wiping down the back of engine till you hit the oil. i'm betting valve cover. if the covers a tin you need spreaders.
     
  3. oil pressure switch?
     
  4. BISHOP
    Joined: Jul 16, 2006
    Posts: 2,571

    BISHOP
    Member

    Clean the engine, then dust it with flour, look for the yellow......you will see where the leak is originating from.

    2 quarts every 50 miles is alot of oil, the leak wont be hard to find.
     

  5. 2qts ever 50 is damn near a gussher.
    I'll bet its the rear lower corner of the valve cover. There's a huge amount of oil there that's not under pressure.

    I had a set from a new crate motor that wouldn't seal - cheap Asian stamping. Grabbed a early 80s vintage set and no problems. Took me several sets of gaskets, and a lot of aggravation to stop it.
     
  6. Lobucrod
    Joined: Mar 22, 2006
    Posts: 4,122

    Lobucrod
    Alliance Vendor
    from Texas

    Might be coming from the back of the intake. Original rubber seals that are supplied with gasket set are bad about splitting and working out. If you do replace it clean the area real good and put a 1/4" bead of silicone across the back and front rails instead of the rubber gaskets.
     
  7. tommy
    Joined: Mar 3, 2001
    Posts: 14,757

    tommy
    Member Emeritus

    If you can't tell where 2 qts in 50 miles is coming from, I'd suggest you need your eyes tested. That should be very apparent sitting in a garage. We can't see the problem source so you have to use your own eyes. Good luck It can't be hard to find.
     
  8. BigDrag
    Joined: Sep 23, 2009
    Posts: 297

    BigDrag
    Member
    from Milwaukee

    This may sound really dumb but have you checked the oil filter?
     
  9. TxRat
    Joined: Dec 22, 2004
    Posts: 1,412

    TxRat
    Member


    I was going to suggest this. Damn good advice...
     
  10. That almost sounds like a fat chick joke I heard way back.:eek:
     
  11. BISHOP
    Joined: Jul 16, 2006
    Posts: 2,571

    BISHOP
    Member

    I guess flour would work on a fat chick too.
     
  12. Dirty2
    Joined: Jun 13, 2004
    Posts: 8,903

    Dirty2
    Member

    Have you changed the intake ? Could be out of the rear of the intake . I don't think it would be the oil filter , oil filter is on the drivers side .
     
  13. Mr48chev
    Joined: Dec 28, 2007
    Posts: 33,861

    Mr48chev
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    I'd run it down to the car wash and wash the whole engine compartment and all of the chassis around the engine you can reach real good and by the time you get back home you should easily be able to tell where the oil is leaking.

    Two quarts in 50 miles should be leaving a trail of oil down the street.

    Valve cover gaskets, end rail gasket on the manifold, Oil filter (including extra gasket stuck on block) Oil pressure switch, rear main seal, front main seal. One or more, take your pick.
     
  14. Don's Hot Rods
    Joined: Oct 7, 2005
    Posts: 8,319

    Don's Hot Rods
    Member
    from florida

    If you say the valve covers don't look like the culprit, my first thought is the end seal on the intake. You should be able to put a clean hand back there and feel and see where it starts. 2 quarts in 50 miles is a serious leak. Also, an inspection mirror might help.

    Don
     
  15. mashed
    Joined: Oct 15, 2011
    Posts: 1,473

    mashed
    Member
    from 4077th

    Replace your valve cover gaskets. Stop this insect carnage .
     
  16. 2OLD2FAST
    Joined: Feb 3, 2010
    Posts: 5,215

    2OLD2FAST
    Member
    from illinois

    Uhh guys , a sbc oil filter is on the driver's side...
    dave
     
  17. BigDrag
    Joined: Sep 23, 2009
    Posts: 297

    BigDrag
    Member
    from Milwaukee

    I did warn you, this may sound dumb..........but I would still check the filter before taking off the manifold.
     
  18. 19blockhead72
    Joined: Feb 17, 2012
    Posts: 204

    19blockhead72
    Member

    Hot rods are supposed to leak oil aren't they? I guess that much could be a problem. Looks like everybody has the main problem areas covered, good luck.
     
  19. That much oil I would check the oil pressure fitting at the back of the block. That much has to be coming out under pressure. Just my opinion.
     
  20. greaseyknight
    Joined: Sep 27, 2010
    Posts: 225

    greaseyknight
    Member
    from Burley WA

    Also check to make sure the valve cover isn't warped
     
  21. davidbistolas
    Joined: May 21, 2010
    Posts: 960

    davidbistolas
    Member

    And be sure the oil pressure switch is properly seated.
     
  22. junk yard kid
    Joined: Nov 11, 2007
    Posts: 2,718

    junk yard kid
    Member

    The back corner of the head can leak out oil where the drain is at the block. But i dont know how it would get on the header, mine covered the starter.
     
  23. mysteryman
    Joined: Apr 20, 2011
    Posts: 253

    mysteryman
    Member
    from atlanta

    sorry it took so long to respond findings but with work and home projects i got side tracked.it was the intake gasket,when the builder put it together he used what appeared to be a hardening sealer and also didnt put enough to seal corners
     
  24. barcode
    Joined: Oct 10, 2012
    Posts: 6

    barcode
    Member
    from fort knox

    are you talking about the intake as in intake manifold? that can leak oil?
     
  25. racer67x
    Joined: Oct 30, 2007
    Posts: 261

    racer67x
    Member

    lol..

    < shakes head >
     
  26. barcode
    Joined: Oct 10, 2012
    Posts: 6

    barcode
    Member
    from fort knox

    well im new to cars so thanks for the help jackass.
     
  27. barcode
    Joined: Oct 10, 2012
    Posts: 6

    barcode
    Member
    from fort knox

    ok so if the distributor is too close to the firewall to pull out, can i use an engine hoist and move the engine forward a little? is there neough play on the drive shaft etc?
     
  28. barcode
    Joined: Oct 10, 2012
    Posts: 6

    barcode
    Member
    from fort knox

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