Hello I have a 1995 camaro z228 6sp. the engine has 116,000 miles on it and I think I have developed a blow-by problem because at idle when I pull the oils oil cap or dipstick alot of smoke comes out.

Here is what raises this question. About 4 months ago I developed a small valve cover leak. after replacing the gaskets several times and the leak getting worse I sprung for new dealer valve covers and gaskets and installed them dry. It appeared to stop the leak for a while but then after a couple miles of driving I noticed a different even larger oil leak.

I think it is now the rear of the intake, because when I put it on a lift while it is runing there is a huge trail of oil running down the bell housing of the transmission. now the valve cover area is dry. After wyping the trail of oil dry it gets to the bottom of the transmission again in about 5 minutes.

So I am going to pull the intake and put new gaskets. I work on older engines mostly and was alway throw the front and back rubber intake seals away and use either the hi-temp red or ultra black RTV. is this the same on lt1's ifso which one should I use?

Also I did replave the PCV valve just incase but that didnt help.

thanks for any suggestions, will

 

Use high temp copper RTV that is oxygen sensor safe.This is a common problem for LT1 engines.Also score the front and rear surfaces,this helps hold the silicone in.You should do a compression test and leak down test to help diagnose the problem.

 

You are definitely suffering from the infamous LT1 intake oil leak.
From my experience engines with severe blow-by tend to oil soak the air filter.
What condition is the air filter in.

 

The oil filter is a little dirty but it is a K&N unit. So I should use the copper RTV sealer for the front and back? Should I score the manifold and block?

thanks, will

 

If you have excessive blow by, oil is going to leak. The crank case builds up pressure and has to escape somewhere. You need to rebuild the engine to cure the leaks. A temporary fix would be to install an oil breather where the oil fill neck is. This will cause a slight vacuum leak as you could suck in un-metered air through the breather, but chances are you'll just be venting blow by out the breather.

 

Don't score the block like this:

/ / / / / / / /

It could develop another leak quite easily. Best thing to do is to dimple the block. And wrap the EGR tube with heat shielding to prevent the heat from breaking down the gasket seal.

Use a good black RTV.

 

I wasnt sure of the scoring but I have usually used the ultra black RTV with good success but if there is another one that works better please tell me.

Has anyone ever tried any of those oil additives to devrease blow-by?

Thanks, will