Yep I have a small block Chevy and it leaks oil...gee what a surprise . It really pisses me off though. The engine is fresh, newly rebuilt. Lots of new parts and time. I noticed the sucker was smoking a bit yesterday, after I changed the oil for the first time and thought it was only a little oil had found its way onto the headers during the LOF process...

When I got home this afternoon, I had some more smoke coming from under the hood and the PS wheel well. I immediately jacked it up to find some oil on the starter bolts. I examined to see that some oil is dripping down from the back of the engine between where the oil pan and oil pan gasket are. I am almost 100% sure it is NOT the rear main. I am almost 100% sure it is leaking between the oil pan and gasket, or the oil pan gasket and the rear cap...

Any thoughts???? Any good ideas as to how to fix, without completly removing the engine??? Not because I can't, but because it is just not an option for me now...My dad suggested lowering the pan down some and using some silicone in the areas where the leaks are now coming from...

The engine is a 1980 350 block, Canton Racing "road race" oil pan, Fel Pro one piece rubber oil pan gasket, and ARP oil pan bolts.

Oh yeah, I did not use any silicone on the pan gasket because the directions said to assmebly dry. I did tighten the pan bolts last week once I finally got 'er running and could use a lift at work. At that time it had no detectable leaks and I barely touched the bolts. THey were pretty good to begine with. And one more thing, I noticed the front is the same way, just dripping, only wet with oil...

I plan to call Canton on Tues. but I would like some of you to throw suggestions at me. Sorry for the long post, hope you make it this far!!

 

did you try to tighten the oil pan bolts any more? could be they just came loose from driving. worth a try...gl.

 

Yeah, I tried last night. One of them snugged up a bit. I am going to check it today at work, but I don't think that that will stop the leak. I hope I am wrong though...

 

I had the exact same problem, oil on the starter. It turned out to be the rear "china wall" seal for the intake manifold.

 

Well, it is still leaking. I got home from work and saw about the same amount of smoke. It is not pouring out, but I hate having oil leaks!!! Especially since it makes these clouds of smoke.

"Heh baby wanna ride in my smoke machine!!!"

Rick,
I have looked at the entire engine at least three times and everything is dry except the areas where the oil pan and gasket meet. I am going to call Canton and see what they think because I bought the oil pan and gasket from them. My next move is going to be to get a dust cover for the trans. At least if it still leaks it won't get blown onto the headers...

Thanks for the thoughts guys. Keep em comin'...