Oil Leaks

[Chris Kennedy]

Hi! I have an '81 4-spd with about 178,000 miles on it that is my only car (I've put about 80K of these miles on it). It's been a great car that I really love, but I am wondering whether anyone has had problems with sealing the differential for oil leaks---both the original differential, and a replacement unit, have been impossible to seal for leaks/drips around the pinion seal and side yoke seal notwithstanding the fact that I have had this work done several times. The only thing I can think of is that the aluminum casings warp.

About 15000 miles ago I finally had the engine rebuilt, and am still getting a slight oil leak at the back of the engine (drips on parking spaces, again). I have had the rebuilder replace the oil pan gasket and rear main seal under warranty, but still no luck. It's weird! Has anyone had a similar problem?

Thanks,

--Chris Kennedy

 

[Scott81]

Chris- I'm not mechanic but I had a rear pinion leak that wouldn't go away. Turns out that when my rear diff was rebuilt they got paint on the pinion shaft and it wasn't sealing, some fine steel wool took it off and a new seal put on, problem solved. The holes for the side yokes can become egg shaped from what I have heard, haven't seen it though.

For the engine oil leak I would have them add some UV dye (about $5.00 a bottle) then run the car and they can put a UV light on it to see exactly where it's coming from.