I seem to have a oil leak that is coming from the backside of the block. The engine is brand new with 1500 miles. I heard if the distributor isn't tight it can cause a oil leak. I am just wondering how do I tighten it? Your help is appreciated.

 

There is a thin gasket at the base. Did you forget to install it?

 

I just bought the car a week ago, the original owner said he once had a leak from the distributor and all he needed to do was tighten it.

 

Dist. doesn't have to be very tight. That gasket is important tho. Now it could be the gasket or it could be leaking from the rear valley. If it's the valley then it's a much bigger job. How bad is it leaking?

 

I'm sorry I never explained how to tighten the dist. Look down the dist shaft towards the intake. It's secured by one bolt thru a metal clamp.. There are wrenches for tightening that but I prefer a crows foot on an extension. Works better for me. It just needs to be snug, not real tight. Finger tight and no more than another 1/2 turn.

Clean up the area with what ever degreaser (dish soap and water works) you have on hand and see if the leak stops.

 

its not leaking very bad. It left about a silver dollar sized spot on the ground.

 

Whatever's on the ground there'll be a whole lot more all over the back of the engine and the transmission.

 

I seem to have found the point where the oil is actually dripping to the ground from. It is right in between the tranny and motor. I just don't know where on the engine it is coming from. Any ideas? I also noticed that the plate between the engine and tranny is missing a bolt which makes it able to pivot. Can this be the oil leak problem?

 

Many times the leak comes from the oil pressure sending unit located next to the distributor just behind the intake.

The oil then runs down the back of the block and to the ground.

Fairly easy to replace and inexpensive. I've changed three or four on early thirdgens.

Overtightening them can cause a leak almost as easy as leaving them too loose.

jms

 

It helps to get everything cleaned up as much as possible before you start looking for a leak. If you have trouble finding it, you can add a dye to your oil that will fluoresce under ultraviolet light and highlight the source of the leak.