Here is the problem. I changed my oil, filter and the plug. Soon after, oil started leaking from by the filter and draining down and then onto the ground. I then tightened the filter a little bit more and cleaned it off. Still didn't work. I thought maybe it could be a bad oil filter. So today I changed my oil again and got a new filter. I did make sure that the old gasket was off and I oiled the new filter. It is now leaking again and there are spots all over my driveway that won't come out. I visually inspected around the filter area to see if I could see where it was coming from, but found nothing. Can someone please help me out? I would appreciate it.

 

Is there a general area where the oil is leaking from? Do you see it burning off anywhere? Check around your manifolds also.

 

There was smoke coming from around the drivers side manifold after I started it up this last time. I couldn't pin point where it was coming from though, but there was not any oil between the valve covers and exhaust manifold. I just changed my intake manifold last year so I don't believe that is it. I just see it coming from the back of the filter and draining down.

 

What engine do you have? What oil filter are you using? For example, a 1986 305 should use an AC PF25.

 

I have a 305 TPI and I am using a Fram oil filter (PH30) with Penzoil oil.

 

Somebody suggested an oil pressure sending unit so I will have to check on it. Im not sure what it looks like though.

 

Get rid of the Fram filter, it's the worst of them all. Use the AC PF1218.

The leak is probably the left valve cover. Remember the First Law of Plumbing; if oil is getting on the exhaust manifold, it isn't getting there by running uphill from below.

Change the valve cover gasket even if you don't think it's leaking, because it evidently is.

 

Ok, I just bought A new oil pressure sending unit. Hopefully that is it. Can someone tell me the exact location of it, because I looked by the filter and didn't see it. Also what steps should I take in doing it? Do I need to change the oil again Will oil come out when I pull it off? How long does it take approximately.
I am going to try and do this before work tomorrow morning so hopefully I have enough time.
Any help would be appreciated.
thanks

 

They changed the location of it at some time.... if it's not right above the oil filter, then it's right behind the distributor.

No oil will come out. as long as you shut the engine off before you take it out. No need to change the oil because you replaced the sending unit.

You should be able to change it fairly quickly.

 

On my 88 the sending unit for the gauge is beside the distributer. However the oil pressure sensor is right above the oil filter. That controlled my computer.

I think you should check the valve cover gasket. That really sounds like it. Or a possible china wall leak. (I know how that one goes.)

 

Another Update: Checked the Oil pressure sending unit and it is dry. Pulled the cover for the Torque converter and flywheel and it is fine in there so I don't think it is the rear main seal. Checked the valve covers and it is fine in the back. I am thinking maybe it is the Head gasket or intake gasket.
What is a china wall leak?

 

Anyone?

 

look around the base of the distributer..there is a gasket there that can make a mess...

 

Back of the intake..

Do as RB suggests and change the valvecover gaskets...it might suprise you for a few bucks...

 

Ok, checked the manifold by the distributor. THere is a little bit of oil there, slightly dry in the front of the distributor. I cannot see the back though. Can I just take the cap off, take off the hold down bolt, lift the distibutor straight up and then put the gasket in? What else would I need to do?
I have an O-ring gasket that came with all the intake and runner gaskets. I am guessing that is the one.

 

sounds like the one to me......make sure to mark where the rotor is pointing and where the # 1 plug wire is ..yes you can do as you described as long as you dont turn the motor at all...hope this is a fix for you..
I like to marke the dist. base and the intake where they meet....

 

I think it may be the valve cover gasket leaking. I ran my hand along the edge and it is kinda wet in the corner. As soon as I get a chance I am going to change them.
Can anyone give me any tips?
I have done them, but I am not sure if I have done them right. (the passenger side keeps leaking) I dont know if the passenger side Valve cover is warped or not. Anyway, do I just put the gasket on the head and place the valve cover over it and tighten it down?? Should I use cork gaskets?
Thanks

 

I use cork gaskets..and a little rtv..make sure the surfaces are very clean....put the rtv on the mounting surface and the gasket...let it tac up a little then mount the gasket...the passenger side is notorious for slipping when you put the cover on...make sure it doesnt,,,do not over torque them..not sure on the spec..just tight. Let them set for an hour or so before driving....if I missed anything someone will add to this...this works for me...

 

Just another question. Can that much oil leak from the valve covers? Like a 4 inch puddle every time I stop? I took the passenger side valve cover off and its not completely wet along the back of it. I also found a piece of gasket laying on the head after I took the valve cover off. It just seems like an awful lot of oil to be leaking.
Thanks

 

Valve covers can leak an astounding amount.

I prefer the Fel-Pro VS-12869R, which is the rubberized version;with gorilla snot on both sides.

 

gorilla snot???

 

this

it is the original gorilla snot is part # 08001, it's yellow; There's also 08008, it's black.

 

what does that fel pro gasket look like?

 

Looks kind of like a SBC valve cover gasket, made out of neoprene.... thin, black, 21" or so long and 5" or so wide, 4 little holes around the edge and one big one in the middle... not much more I can say really...

AutoZone carries them, you could go look at one there

 

good... they're always trying to sell me that cork crap

 

The rubber/silicone type slipped more for me...they say you can reuse the rubber type...if you use what RB suggests..be careful they dont slip around...I usually dont contradict RB but this is my experience...

 

that's what the gorilla snot's for

 

never tried that product..LOL "gorilla Snot" maybe I'll give the Snot a Shot...

 

- Changed the Valve cover gasket
- Changed the distributor O-Ring
- Checked the Oil Pressure sending unit=Dry (going to replace it anyway)
- Ran my hand along the back of the intake. Slightly wet but doesn't seem like fresh oil, just kinda dirty back there.
I don't know what else it could be
There is a lot of oil, but it is all leaking down off the oil filter. I can't see anything soaked in oil above it. Everything above it has a little bit of oil.
If it was the head gasket, could that much oil be leaking out of it?

 

Remove the oil filter. Clean the oil filter mounting boss, then inspect it closely for nicks and damage. Install a new oil filter, but this time install a blue one (never put an orange oil filter on an engine). When the filter gasket contacts the base, turn the filter 3/4-1 full turn more. Fill the sump to the correct level, start the engine, and monitor for leaks.

 

Take the car to the car wash and clean the motor up. Then you'll be able to see exactly where it's coming from. It's pretty hard to identify the source of a leak when the whole motor is swimming in oil.

 

One Q: is there factory-style oil cooler between block and filter in your car?

 

Be sure to double check the hole right above the oil filter. With an '86 you probably won't have a switch in that hole, but there should be a plug in it. You won't be able to see the plug from under the car, but you should be able to feel it with your hand. I recommend putting a paper towel around spots that you think might be causing the leak, then run the car just long enough for a little bit of oil to leak. Then check all of the paper towels and see which ones have oil on the inside of them. Just be careful not to start a fire!

 

I took the car and to the power washer. When I first started it, it didn't leak. I drove a couple of miles and checked and I was back where I started. The whole engine was covered in oil. I will check that hole you were talking about Vader

 

Hmmm...

Does this engine have a smog pump, or any other thing, bolted to the front of the motor on the pass side, to the right of the water pump? Are those 2 bolt holes empty?