What causes the various oil leaks and how do you prevent them.

I am interested in the various places oil can leak from and what tips methods and products you know that work well.

I have a 97 LT1 long block and as I swap components I am amazed at all the dirty oil built up on my old engine. The Timing chain cover for example has the block seal, the water pump seal, the opti seal, the crank seal, the reluctor sensor seal, and the oil pan seal. It is a wonder that it doesn’t hemorrhage full time. I recently read a great tip for sealing the dipstick tube (Ultra Black Permatex around the bottom of the flange before inserting) and I was hoping to get a consolidation of that wisdom.

I notice that Permatex has a bearing seal product and a rubber gasket dressing product. Does anyone have any experience with these products?

 

Castrol GTX High Millage has swelleing agents which actually stopped my timing cover leak.

 

Some seals shrink or wear out in time. Normal care in replacing them should take care of it. Honestly, my LT1 has been nearly leak free since I bought it in 1998. I don't know what all you other people are doing to your cars.

 

Better knock on wood Shoebox, this is a 350 Chevy we are talking about.

 

IDK, I've never had one that was a leaker. I must do something different than the rest of you.

 

How do you prevent oil leaks?


















Buy an LS1.

 

i have never seen one not leak a little. i have a 97 that has had everything in the front replaced(some three times) and never got it to stop leaking. either the water pump seal or opti seal. it isn't bad but i use synthetic and go 4000-5000 miles and just starts to hit ground around 4000. change the oil and clean up

 

I think a lot of leaks come from people over-tightening. A flange on an oil pan or valve cover can be bent by too much torque.

 

if you keep your oil changed regularly it will help keep the seals in good condition. i second what shoebox said over-tightening will cause leaks and whn you go to fix them you might not be able to if you have bent or warped sealing sufaces. also a pcv system in good working order will help.

 

Well, I have no oil leaks on my Camaro either. However, ever other GM car I have own or have owned has oil leaks.

 

I read a post earlier that recommended greasing the new seals to keep them from “running dry”. Has anyone tried this?

Nearly leak free is close, but not quite the same as leak free. It would be depressing to get this car back together just to have oil seeping out. I appreciate any and all tips.

 

Whether you could grease one depends on the gasket (and some should not be greased). It's no guarantee and IMHO, there is just as much chance for leaking whether you do it or not. If you do things right, there should be minimal chance for leaks. I think you are worrying too much.

 

Thanks. I will probably apply the permatex bearing seal and rubber gasket dressing just for GP. I will work on the worrying thing too. :-)

 

So y'all are saying that if it doesn't leak its empty, eh? LOL