Oil leak question

[76okievette]

Hey need some advice, when I put oil in the car today the oil ran out of the block where the dip stick tube goes in. Is there some kind of seal that goes around the dip stick tube? I have a early 76 and am pretty sure I have the correct dip stick, it was reading low so I put it about half a quart and about half of that ran out on the ground from the dip stick tube. I don't think I over filled it the oil did not run out the top of the tube but came out where the tube goes into the block, any ideas?

 

[huk_finn]

the oil level should not be high enuf in pan to reach the dipstick tube mounting hole. Did someone put something like a custom chrome dipstick tube on engine (wrong size dipstick)?
I'd check into this before driving very much,I think you might have to much oil.
did the oil leak after you started the engine (out the dipstick tube mounting hole)?

 

[AKRAY4PLAY]

if it's a stock engine and oil pan, drain it and change filter. add five quarts of oil, start and get pressure up to normal, shut off and measure after 15 minutes. you should be right at the full mark. if not, make a new mark on your stick. the add level will be 3/4 of an inch lower. if you have oil running out of the dipstick hole in the block, you have WAY to much oil in the pan. it will cause all kinds of problems like blown gaskets, cracked pistons, bent rods, etc. oil doesn't compress like air on the piston down stroke.

 

[76okievette]

OK, thanks I will check it. I have oil leaks that I can't find so I may have to replace the valve cover gaskets again. But this problem is only when I pour in new oil the brand new oil pours right out on the ground it has not even mixed with the exisiting oil so it seems like it leaks out some place between where I pour the oil in and the block, I guess I will have to watch it real close when I fill it up after changing the oil. I will let you know.

 

[JohnZ]

Are you sure it isn't leaking out past the valve cover gasket and pouring down the outside of the block? You'd have to have about 16 quarts in it to raise the oil level high enough to seep out the dipstick tube hole.

 

[76okievette]

I have been thinking about that, I have these chrome valve covers on that are made out of real thin metal, I replaced the gasket's a year ago but I just can't see how only the four bolts can keep enough even pressure to stop them from leaking. I think I will replace the gaskets again. Has any one had any problems with the replacement chrome valve covers? I have checked it again and I don't think the oil is coming our the dip stick tube its must be coming from the valve covers.

 

[Wolverine]

I have a '76 and if I'm not careful when I pull ou the dipstick, I can also pull out the dipstick tube. In other words, it's loose an yours may be, too. You may have just unseated the dipstick tube - make sure its seated.

 

[76okievette]

Thanks, I have not worked on it yet but this weekend I will get into in. Thanks I will check that out first.

 

[C3 4ME]

As mentioned, I'd drain the oil you have, and be prepared to have a couple of drain pans ready, if you really have 16 quarts in there, it will overflow the drain pan. Then just fill it back up with 5 quarts and see where you are on the dipstick.

 

[The73vetteman]

Has any one had any problems with the replacement chrome valve covers?

They can be a real pain to seal, especially at the rear of the engine which seems like the lowest point. My car came with what I call 'load spreaders' that go under the four bolts. Providing I tightening it down evenly they seem to do the trick.

J