I just bought a 92 z28 5.7L Automatic. I needs a tune-up bad, and a few things but is over all in good shape. but tonight I noticed a thick coating of oil and it smelled like a little fuel coating the outside and back of both cam covers. I've noticed a small but moderate leak in my driveway that looks like it's coming from the bottom of the block and looks wet all the way down to the cat.

Please help!

 

Clean it off, you will have to look at it to see where it's coming from. A tip for you. When you think you found where it's coming from, look higher. Lots of times you will see a leak from the bottom and think it's coming from the oil pan, and it's actually form the dizzy, for an example.
You can put Marvel Mystery Oil in it too. That should atleast slow it down if it dosen't stop it. However I will also say this is not a fix, just gives you more time until you have to fix it.

 

Q: How does MMO work to slow engine oil leaks?

 

I thought it could be coming from the cam cover maybe a bad gasket? pardon me for sounding like a newb which I am but what is a "dizzy" reference to?

 

Valve Covers? Replace the valve cover gaskets, they're a common source of leaks.

Dizzy=distributor.

Has the smog pump been removed?

 

Usually valve cover, but can be distributor. There is a gasket that should be under it where it meets the intake manifold. Clean it off and run the car a little more. Recheck it and you will definately have a better idea where it is coming from.

 

thanks im going to do a little research but since i have fuel injection i shouldnt have a distributor right? Also Im doing research on how to replace gaskets myslelf but i've read that engines are pressurized so
1 how to i regain pressure if needed
2 how does one replace a gasket
3 what are good gaskets ive heard fel-pro are awesome.
also I have the tools just not the know how, is it easy or since im a complete novice is it better leaving this up to a professional because it is running and i dont want to horribly damage my car.

 

Yes, you have a distributor. All 3rd gen f-bodies had a distributor.

No, the motor isn't pressurized. It does have a constant flow of air going through the crankcase via the "positive crankcase ventilation" system or PCV, but that's actually a slight vacuum that draws air through the crankcase and into the intake manifold.

Fel Pro is a decent brand. Not sure they deserve to be called "awesome". They did have different levels of quality in their various lines, though.

The engine only has one cam, hence "cam covers" is inappropriate. They're typically called valve covers, but rocker covers is more accurate. Valve covers will do - if you go to the parts store and ask for "cam cover gaskets" or "rocker cover gaskets", you'll likely to get a blank look.

 

okay thanks for clearing that up for me, and knowing my confusion. I was told only carburated engines have distributers, (guess I'm not listening to my dad anymore lol) and as far as the valve covers go thank you yes thats what I meant and behind those and on the sides is where the oil/fuel/dirt is piling up and noticed some on the case and under the throttle body. I have had a huge pcv leak and there was oil in the hose. pep boys didn't know what I needed when I brought the part in even though I said "I need a hose to go from my pcv valve to the elbow plug in the cam (valve) cover. Any advice on top quality gaskets? I don't want future issues.

 

Your 92 should have center bolt valve covers which are not as prone to leaks as the earlier perimeter style covers. I'd verify they're leaking before shelling out $20 or so on replacement gaskets.

A trip to the car wash with a can of engine degreaser can help clean up your engine and show you where/what's leaking. Soak the sides and front of the motor with the degreaser then hit it with the high pressure wand. Just keep the spray away from the throttle body and distributor as much as possible.

A haynes or chilton manual is a good starting point. It will provide a step by step for many of the maintenance tasks a more detailed manual may assume you already understand.

Some later FI motors don't use a distributor but yours does.

For the PCV hose, they'll have to cut you a length of appropriate size rubber hose to match. It won't be a specific part number.

 

Go to napa and get a new pcv valve. NAPA Echlin brand. A faulty valve could be your problem. Don't just clean it, replace it. You may be able to reuse your gaskets (per naf) They probably have the hose too.

 

sorry im still new by faulty valve you mean pcv valve right as in which part the one on the throttle body or the one on the valve cover, what do i need to replace im lost.

 

PCV valve will be the plastic piece that inserts into the top of the valve cover. A simple check is to pull it out and shake it to hear the little check ball inside moving. If it's gummed up and doesn't 'click' when you shake it, it's likely bad. The valve should be connected by a rubber hose to the intake or throttle body, usually with a plastic 90 degree fitting in the hose somewhere to route it correctly.

 

cool yeah the 90 degree angle plastic piece just easily slips right out of the valve cover without any resistance and no it doesn't rattle at all. So that's a pcv valve. So then that should be a simple fix, right? just buy a new piece or is there a washer or something that I need to buy as well?

 

I've noticed the line under this that connects to the fiting under this on the throttle body intake is a fuel line, what travels through the pcv valve? This hose of mine and all the connections look like it's coated with oil? Is that what goes through here? If so why does it smell like fuel as well, and what does the pcv valve do?

 

Its Positive Crankcase Ventilation. All engines produce harmful blowby gasses that create pressure in a sealed engine. The valve allows the pressure to be pulled off by manifold vacuum. When the valve sticks closed the pressure instead blows out through gaskets and oil comes out with it. You may want to replace the rubber grommet that holds it in the valve cover.