Hi,
I bought an 82 Firebird a few months back. It has a 2.8L, V6 engine. The car was left idle for a while before I got it and everytime I drove it there was oil dripping from the bell housing dust cover. I thought first it was transmission fluid but on closer examination I saw it was engine oil. I bought a Fel pro gasket set and went to work. I replaced the sump, rear main bearing cap and real main bearing seals. The rear main bearing seal I fitted was a two piece seal. Everything was fine for a week or so but now when I check the underside I see a small trace of engine oil on the back of the sump. Is it normal for these two piece seals to leak a little? What can I do to stop this leak?. Can someone please help.

Gerry Holian

 

The two-piece seals are notorious for leaking.. unfortunately, I lack the experience with them to tell ya if there's anything that can be done about 'em. A week sounds a little obscene.. mark it up to wear and tear on the journal =\

However, it could also be from the distributor O-ring.. those are notorious for leaking on the 2.8s, tho it's a long way for the oil to drip down.

You might be able to find a one-piece seal adapter. I see 'em for small blocks all the time, dunno about availability for the 60* V6.

 

I can tell you this about a distributor o-ring leak...oil leaks over EVERYTHING..makes it look like there's a problem with everything else instead....mine leaked a quart every week or two from that little seal and hasn't leaked ONE DROP since I got it fixed. Literally..not one drop.