Oil Leak

[76okievette]

I have an oil leak from the front of my engine. It right around the time chain cover, or the front of the oil pan. Could this be a "front seal" leak and if so how hard is that to correct? Also can the oil pan be pulled on a L-48 1976 with out raising up the engine? I also a small leak at the rear of the engine or what I have always called the "rear seal" area but I will worry about that one after I get the one if front fixed. Thanks,
GO SOONERS

 

[Robin7TFour]

Boomer Sooner, yes you can remove the oil pan without raising the motor. you have to move the idler arm and the tranny hoses can be pushed out of the way.
yes it sound like the crank seal on the timing cover is leaking. often the seal wears a slight groove in the crank at the balancer. most auto parts stores stock a wear sleeve that goes over the crank to give you a nice smooth surface for the seal to ride on.

Bubba,,,

 

[BeaterShark]

Oil leaks can be very misleading, mainly due to the wind during driving. Having said that, I'd bet it's your crank seal that Robin has mentioned.

Still, I'd get some oil dye and a black light and find out for sure where the leak is from before spending time changing things out.

Also, a rear intake leak looks alot like a rear main seal.

If you do pull the pan, be sure to use one of those newer 1 piece oil pan gaskets.

 

[76okievette]

Thanks, I am going to attemp to find these leaks and fix them. Although they are small leaks I just hate that the car leaks. It will give me a chance to clean up the engine some also.