thanks 4 reply i have a5.7 tpi that the previouse owner replaced the whole lower end and cam... so the oil pan & valve cover gaskets r about 5months old. but the oil pan gasket leaks right behind the starter where the oil dipstick is. i tighttend the bolts to no evail, also i have oil puddeling on the intake, on the passenger side right next to the injectors. is it the valve cover gaskets?is there anything else? what gaskets do u recomend also should i use any chemical sealers on these gaskets? what do u suggest.? later ed

 

Ed,

The oil leak on the lower end may be the gasket, or may be the dipstick tube. You should clean everything thoroughly then performa frequent inspections to determine the source before deciding on a course of action.

The oil at the intake is likely from a rocker cover gasket. Properly installed GM neoprene-silicone rocker gaskets will require no additional sealing compounds, but will require that both surfaces are clean and straight.

The same stands for the oil pan gasket, except that a tacking adhesive/sealer can be used to assure proper positioning and a perfect seal. The oil dipstick tube is pressed into the cylinder case, and can be coated with a gasket cement before installation.

Whatever you use for sealants, be certain that any RTV sealants have solvents that are compatible with your oxygen sensor(s). Earlier formulations of these sealants have solvents that will attack the zirconia crystal in the O2 sensor, rendering it useless.

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Later,
Vader
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"Make Me Bad"
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Tools to find oil leaks
1) Coin operated car wash to generally clean the engine.
2) Brake clean & compressed air to super clean a specific area.
3) Mag lite flashlight
4) Telescoping inspection mirror
5) "THE PLAN" how are going to find the leak?... go under the car, view from engine compartment, engine running, not running???
6) Fortitude..stay with it until you're positve of the source, not just where it is now (remember to look up).
Regards, FJK