Hey guys, I just dropped a new motor in my 99 Z28. Its an LS1 block with LS6 heads (used), stock intake manifold, MS3 cam (237/242, .603 .609, on a 112 LSA), long tube headers and all the necessary valve train that would be warranted for such a set up. I've been driving the car for damn near a month now and the other day when I pulled in to work I smelled burning oil. Upon inspecting under the vehicle I noticed a leak that appears to be coming from the rear main seal. Heres where I get lost. When the vehicle is running the drip is consistant but fairly slow, but upon turning the motor off the drip turns in to a stream of oil. It will poor out probably around 1/8th of a quart over about a one minute span then completely stops. There is no leak when the motor is cold, but when it gets to running temp it starts up again. I have yet to experience any clutch slippage that might normaly be associated with a RMS leak. Any ideas as to what might be causing this leak? I have only been able to inspect under the car by jacking it up and crawling as far under as possible. If I had a lift or a pit I would be able to get a better understanding of where exactly the leak is coming from and how far up around the seal it is originating from, but I dont.

 

Are you sure it's not your oil pressure sending you unit leaking? After my swap i had the same issue and i traced it all the way up to the sending unit, mine also did the same thing no leaks when cold and started to drip when warm. Squeeze your hand behind the intake and feel around the sending unit for any residual oil, one thing to remember is that oil will travel quite a distance before actually dripping.

 

Update??

 

well you were right johhny, it turned out to be the sending unit. once i was actually able to get completely under the car and clean the oil up i started it back up and traced it up to the sending unit. thanks for the help. got the new unit in and its running great. now i just need to replace the power steering assembly!. i have a pretty good leak from the pulley shaft. if it aint one thing, its another. thanks again johnny.

 

Awesome Glad i could help. Just remember that things will randomly go wrong for a while once all the little bugs get worked out the only problem you'll have is getting traction with all that power