Why does it seem like Chevy's always leak. I just rebuilt my SBC for the 2nd time, and everything was fine until about 2 months ago. Then it starts leaking from the front seal. WTF?!?! And now my dad just informs me that the tranny is leaking as well and that was just rebuilt a few months ago. Why can I never stop the leaking!?!?!

-Steve

 

WTF? Lol.. I have never had a problem on my 197k Z28 I am in the middle of rebuilding my Z though.. so I hope that I don't have problems with it leaking

 

when you rebuild yours get a 1 piece gasket, leaking is from imporper sealing...

 

Well its obviously from improper sealing, but it seems I CAN NEVER GET IT TO SEAL RIGHT!!! I have a one piece rubber oil pan seal and it leaks. I've put the silicon sealer on there and that helps for a little bit, but sure enough, oil or other fluid always finds ways to seep out.

-Steve

 

Other fluid? I think that its improper installation. If you have a two piece rear seal always make sure to offset them not flush with the block and cap, as for front seal, use a seal driver to make sure it goes in straight, and lube your balancer when you put it in, dry seal and metal cause chaffing of rubber.

 

should you ALWAYS aim for one piece gaskets in ANYTHING you rebuild car-wise?

 

Theyre marking their territory...

 

Well I have 2 piece rear and never have trouble with leaks from that area, in fact most of my leaks are either vacuum, coolant, or tranny from aftermarket cooler lines. Then again, my short block was built by Pat Musi, so that could have something to do with it, he does it for a living.

 

Yeah seal prep is a big factor, if you do not oil the seals good (front and rear main) during breakin they will wear improperly and leak from the get-go.

 

Front leak may not be from improper sealing due to any seal problem maybe your balancer has a groove in it from the seal riding on it and you need to replace it or put a sleeve over it.

 

If it was not leaking and now it suddenly is, something is pressurinzing the bottom end and blowing the seals out. Check your PCV or crankcase breathing system to make sure the crankcase blowby (bottom end pressure) is being vented somewhere. If you are not venting the bottom end pressure, no gasket in the world will hold for very long, the pressure has to go somewhere.

Good luck
Gear Breat
So Cal

 

You guys are all wet. Oil leaks are built into every SBC from the factory. If it's not dripping oil, it's not a Chevy.
I'm beginning to have serious doubts about the LS series of engines. They're way to dry. Makes me wonder if there's really any fluid in there.

 

^ LOL.. not mine! 197k and, after ripping open the engine.. looks like f'in 100 miles! lol