Hello,

I just bought a 96 Z28 with 95,000km on it a week ago and I knew it had a small oil leak when I bought it but it seems to be a bit worse now. I had it up on a hoist and coulnt real see what it was. I have a funny feeling its the crank seal. Is this a common problem on the LT1 and if so is it tough to fix?
Any help is appreciated

Ryan
sickcavalier@hotmail.com

 

I had the same leak for years, just as you do. what fixed my leak was by replacing the opti drive seal, behind the opti.

 

How tough is that to fix and how expensive?

 

it isn't very hard. it is harder taking everything off just to get to it. the seal is about $12, but you have to get it from the dealer. http://shbox.com/1/pull_pulley.jpg
http://shbox.com/ci/opti_mounting.jpg
http://shbox.com/1/engine_front_diagram.jpg

these links should give you an idea.

 

Thanks a lot man...that helps more than you know...if I have any more questions I will post

Ryan
sickcavalier@hotmail.com

 

Where is the oil leak coming from? The front or back of engine? If it's on the front, take off the intake elbow and look at the front of the intake manifold. That seems to be a pretty common leak on LT1s. If it's from the back, then run your finger behind the intake manifold, right above the crossover tube from the heads, if there's oil there it's definetely the infamous rear intake manifold leak. The intake manifold leaks are pretty easy to fix, do a search on it, and you will find a few online guides. If theres no oil on top but it's still dripping from the back, it's the rear main seal. That one is the toughest the fix as it requires you to pull the tranny, PP, clutch, and flywheel to get to. If it was me, and I was still on the stock clutch at 95K (I assume you are), I would just wait to do it until the clutch went casue it a PITA.

 

Well it appears to be coming from the front of the motor because there is oil all over the subframe and steering rack...and you can tell the oil is blowing back all over the bottom of the motor. I had heard about the upper intake leaking so I checked that and there doesnt seem to be any oil, same with the rear main seal.

Ryan
sickcavalier@hotmail.com