Leaking oil...

[Stallion]

Okay, I pulled her out today and started her up. It took a little while to get her warmed up, but then when I backed out I saw that there was a significant puddle of oil on my driveway.

This is all I know right now. Up until now, she hasn't leaked oil. So, where should I start? I know that oil can come from numerous places, but how should I go about finding the problem?

Thanks!

Stallion

 

[vmrod]

Get on some old clothes, get a flashlight, then look around.

Check all around the valve covers. Crawl under the car and look at the oil pan. Check the oil plan bolt so that it is not loose.

If you clean your engine a little (wiping it with a shop towel), you may be able to find the fresh oil easier.

-Vic

 

[Eric]

Stallion,

Are you certain that it is indeed oil and not trans or power steering fluid. If you're unsure just dab it off of the garage floor with a clean paper towel. Trans or PS fluid will be reddish to brown depending upon wear and oil will be darker and maybe black if burned. Since this puddle appeared after sitting then chances are the fluid should be the same color as what shows up on the dipstick since it didn't burn while dripping off of a hot engine.

Everything Vic said is on track just don't assume it's oil unless you know for sure. That said, if it's not oil check the PS lines and fittings as well as all around the trans.

Good luck!

 

[Stallion]

Well, you know how oil runs into water? It looks really colorful? Like a rainbow. That's what happened. It dripped in water, so it made that colorful look. That's why I assume that it's oil.

Okay, I'll get under her and see if I can't find it. So the valve covers and the oil pan are #1 suspects for an oil leak usually?

Thanks!

 

[76okievette]

I though my 76 was leaking oil, it appeared like it was but after getting under the car and wiping up everything I could find it turn out to be the power steering pump. My advice to wipe everything off as good as you can then keep a real close eye on it as you drive it. You will find the leak.

 

[Stallion]

I will clean her up a bit to see if I can find it. What do you guys use to wash the engine down for this sort of thing?

 

[The73vetteman]

Power steering leaks look like an oil leak. The hoses tend to have a relatively short life (7 years or so) and handle quite a bit of pressure. This is especially the case if you put on some lock while the car is stationary. That could cause a hose to leak.

Like the man said.. wipe it all down and have a close look.

'73

 

[Tsker79]

Leaking oil

Well, I see I'm not the only one whose car suddenly developed leaks. My 79 was bone dry when I bought it last year. I had the same situation with oil suddenly appearing. The first one was power steering and I replaced the entire system, except gear box, laying under the car. Next came oil. I cleaned the engine off as much as I could and eventually replaced the valve cover gaskets. The oil pan bolts needed to be snugged up and that helped. But I still have a rear main seal leak. This is a two piece seal and apparently prone to leaking. I'm not too sure I want to tackle a rear seal and the estimates I've received run around $500.00. It seems that when you tell a shop you have a Corvette, everything jumps in repair cost. Ah, the joys ov Corvette ownership !!!!

 

[Stallion]

When you guys talk about the "rear seal", what exactly are you referring to? I have heard this before, but I don't really know what you are talking about.

 

[BeaterShark]

For oil leaks, I always try to clean up the engine as best as possible and then run a dye in the oil. These dyes will glow when looked at with a black light. The brighter the glow is where the oil is leaking from.

The rear main seal is the seal at the back of the engine just behind the main bearings. It is basically the seal at the back of the block where the crank comes out for the flex plate/flywheel to be mounted.

 

[bossvette]

just out of curiosity, Stallion and Tsker79 when you bought your Vettes were they relativly low milage for the age of the car?
Craig sr

 

[Stallion]

44k miles. Low milage I would say.

Hey, about that dye that glows under black light, is that any good? I mean, you simply add it to your sump, but does it affect the oil? What I mean is, if you put it in, and it works fine, but will it alter the oil in any way and do something bad to your engine?

Because if that dye is not harmful to the engine, then it sounds like a sure deal to go with, right? What are the disadvantages to it?

Thanks!

Stallion

 

[BeaterShark]

I don't believe the dye does anything harmful to the existing oil. After all, several oils have dye in them.

You can find the dye at most chain auto part stores, but I've found the Tracerline brand to glow better than the stuff on the shelf. I got it from O'Reilly's and they got it out the back. The guy said it was the stuff they sold to their commercial accounts.

 

[Stallion]

Okay, I'll clean up the engine and go get that dye and a black light. Put the additive in and just watch and wait. I'll try to do this over the weekend. Though, it's going to be frigid outside. I need to move to Florida.

 

[Eric]

Okay, I'll clean up the engine and go get that dye and a black light. Put the additive in and just watch and wait. I'll try to do this over the weekend. Though, it's going to be frigid outside. I need to move to Florida.

Do yourself a favor and put the dye in the PS resevoir as well as the oil. You'll save yourself some frustration since lots of oil leaks (as others have pointed out) turn out to be PS leaks.

When you inspect the car after putting the dye in you'll see streaks of the dye spreading towards the rear of the car. Keep following the streaks to wherever they join together then start working up until you see the originating spot.
Good luck dude! - Eric

 

[Stallion]

Thanks, Eric!! Hey, quick question: after I put the dye in and clean off the engine, I obviously have to run her. But, should I just leave the Vette sit and run? Or take her out for a ride? I figured that if I actually take her on the road, the wind whipping on the engine might splatter it and make it harder to find the source.

What do you suggest? Thanks!

 

[steves1980]

speaking of leaks, i replaced the Steering Damper , and i see it leaking from the shaft, see there any where i can get a new one, ? all i see is rebiult ones, if i can find a new one i will take this one back, i got it local, and i dont plan on going back to them, any one know where to order a new one ?
ty steve 1980 vette

 

[Eric]

Thanks, Eric!! Hey, quick question: after I put the dye in and clean off the engine, I obviously have to run her. But, should I just leave the Vette sit and run? Or take her out for a ride? I figured that if I actually take her on the road, the wind whipping on the engine might splatter it and make it harder to find the source.

What do you suggest? Thanks!

The only problem with not driving it is that if it's PS or trans fluid leaking, they won't come out unless you drive. Also, some oil leaks only show up when the engine is pushed. The PS system is all about hydraulic pressure so you'd have to turn the wheels and doing that sitting still is hard on the system anyhow.

- Eric

 

[Stallion]

Oh, I see. So, I will take her around the block a couple of times, then.

 

[Tsker79]

Mileage

just out of curiosity, Stallion and Tsker79 when you bought your Vettes were they relativly low milage for the age of the car?
Craig sr

My vette had 69.600 when I bought it. For the age, not bad, but when I talk to some of the NCRS members I know, they feel it's high. I want to drive mine, not show it, so I'll be adding more miles to it.