md21722

Hey all, back in the spring I resealed the bottom end when I had the head at the machine shop. I used Fel Pro gaskets throughout. New timing cover gasket, rear main etc. Sometime in early October after about 10,000 miles since the work, and just after a 3,500 mile trip I saw oil was seeping out of the driver's side lower oil pan/timing cover bolt. There was an oil film about 2" back on the pan from this bolt. I retorqued all the bolts to 84/132 in-lbs. It looked like they had backed off slightly, a few inch pounds. I checked again today and now its all the way back to the deep part of the pan. Using a mirror and light I looked all around and don't see any evidence of leakage around the oil pan seal (still nice and blue). I checked torque and those had backed off slightly, maybe 80 in-lbs. I took both bolts out and only the one was wet. Any ideas what's going? I put them back on with Vibratite and will see what happens. I hope I don't have to drop the pan.

t.mcginley.jr

Did you use any silicone in the corners? I can't remember if Fel Pro recommends it or not, but I know i put a little bit in all 4 corners when doing my oil pan just in case. Try wiping the oil pan clean with a rag/towel, drive it a little, and then keep checking for where it's originating from.

md21722

Yes, I put the FSM recommended Mopar product in all 4 corners. The engine is perfectly dry except for this. It may be that the drivers side corner sealer is goofed up and its running down hill before it finds this escape route through the bolt hole. I see no traces of oil higher up. It's all I can guess. At the same time, I'm having trouble as to why it took at least 6 months for this to develop. I know it was dry at least half way through my 3,500 trip, so figure at least 8-9,000 miles.

t.mcginley.jr

It's possible, you might end up having to seal the front bolts with silicone too if it's seeping past the bolt holes. Also is your PCV valve new? Old stuck PCV valves can cause increased crankcase pressure, resulting in weird oil leaks like this. But you got head work done so I'm assuming it was replaced?

md21722

Yes, all the rubber CCV stuff is new. The engine does not seem to use oil between changes either.