I have a 97 Z28 LT1. It has been running great, then all of a sudden I'm leaking oil out of the front of the motor. Not a lot about a 4'' by 5'' puddle over night. I'm thinking it may be the water pump shaft seal. Anyone else have any suggestions? Thanks.

- Lee -

 

clean everything up, and then look for the oil leak. Might use some brake cleaner. You have to catch them from the exit point, or everything is just a blur it seems. Also how high up the oil is on the motor can give clues, since oil cannot run upwards.

 

True, that's what led me to believe that it's the water pump seal. Thats the highest point as far as I can tell. I still need to check the head cover gaskets. Thanks Dave.

 

All LT1's love to leak. I just rebuilt mine and its already starting...

 

I think we have several more areas that can leak compared to the norm.

 

You can clean it off, check for a leak and replace that seal.

If you find that a seal in the timing cover is leaking, I would buy a Fel-pro timing cover gasket set and replace all seals. Water pump drive, opti, and crank seals.

Also on your 1997 there is a crank sensor in the timing cover. There is a o'ring on that sensor that can leak oil also, but that usually wont cause a leak that leaves a small puddle overnight, but something else also to consider.

 

Do a search on installing the installing the water pump seal. You need to make a tool so you don't roll the lip. Many people get burned on this and it starts leaking again.