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Leaking oil like a sieve

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Old 08-17-2011, 05:27 PM
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Default Leaking oil like a sieve

Hey everyone, I've got a nasty oil leak (about a quart a week anyways) and I can't find it. I recently did the head gasket which included new valve cover gasket, and I don't think that's it (maybe some small leaks, but not much). I'm wondering what else is common. Rear main? Oil pan gasket itself?

If I end up doing the rear main seal, I'll do the oil pan gasket as well, and probably a new oil pump too while I'm in there. Is there anything else that would be smart to do while performing this?

Anywhere else that may be leaking before I start this dirty old job?

Thanks!
Old 08-17-2011, 05:31 PM
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Since you already did the valve cover gasket, I guarantee you if you replace your rear main seal and oil pan gasket your leak will stop.
Old 08-17-2011, 06:16 PM
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Okay, I'll order parts and start planing for the job and let everyone know the results. I did notice that quadratec has the rear main for $7, but I didn't see an oil pan gasket. Anyone know where they have them for sale?
Old 08-17-2011, 10:42 PM
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Any auto parts store will have the oil pan gasket and the seal. Just make sure you get the one piece oil pan gasket with the metal inserts around the screw holes.
Old 08-17-2011, 10:56 PM
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Be sure to check the oil filter adapter dirst it is known for being a sneaky leaker. Its a much easier cheaper fix as well
Old 08-17-2011, 10:59 PM
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Fel-Pro one piece with metal inserts is about $20 at NAPA. Picked one up today myself. Only a few places can be leaking that much oil really. Clean up the engine, turn her over and WATCH to see where its coming from. A quart a week is a TON (unless youre driving 1K a week, but even then its a lot). My 99 hasnt leaked a quart in her whole life.

Last edited by bigvig; 08-18-2011 at 01:11 AM.
Old 08-17-2011, 11:05 PM
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Im gonna guess its your rear main doing the majority of the leaking
if it was the oil pan gasket i would think youd see the dribble lines coming from up by the bolts.

maybe try this..
go down there wipe everything down best you can
drive around the block, and look again maybe this will help to point out where the leak is coming from?


but oil pan gasket is simple and cheap. ( esp if your lifted you can slide it right out no prob, if not you may need to jack up your body and let your axle droop. )
just make sure to put a dab of rtv in the corner spots.
Old 08-17-2011, 11:11 PM
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as far as where to get it
i recommend ROCKAUTO.
they are competitive on pricing and quick on shipping

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/x,ca...,parttype,5436

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/x,ca...,parttype,5604

id go with both felpro.
Old 08-18-2011, 09:48 AM
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Check the oil pressure sending unit. Mine was the cause of a major leak.
Old 08-18-2011, 07:21 PM
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Thanks for all of the advice. It actually might be the oil fill adapter. Seems as though there's way more oil on that side then the other. I'm ordering all of the parts from rockauto (felpro are cheap enough) just in case. I'm also ordering an oil filter adapter gasket for 70 cents. Is that how it's setup? The adapter just has an o-ring that is prone to leaking where it bolts up to the block? Hopefully that's the leak, but I'm getting the rest of the parts anyways as a preventative measure if nothing else (there are small leaks around the oil pan gasket, etc.) I had to replace the head gasket not so long ago, so I'm wondering if I end up doing the RMS, should I replace the oil pump or screen while I'm in there?
Old 08-19-2011, 02:05 AM
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The hardest part about the oil filter adapter is just getting the bolt undone. I upgraded mine so i could put a wide variety of filters on, but yours being a 91 might already be the one i upgraded to. Search oil filter adapter upgrade. Its a simple fix either way. Just unbolt, put you o rings in, and tighten it back up. But not to tight i broke mine cause i am a crazy torquer.
Old 08-19-2011, 02:40 AM
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Check your pcv valve. On mine actually the tube to it was compleatly clogged. If blow-by can't get out it will pressurize the works and cause leaks. I have a draft tube now. As said the "O" ring on the oil filter mount. Mine was hardened and leaking bad.

My 90 with 268 K has done both, and leaked BAD. All better now. Don
Old 08-19-2011, 07:27 AM
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Is your last name really Flintstone?
Old 08-20-2011, 09:20 AM
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It's a handle from way back in my CB days, Mr Cherokee!
Old 09-11-2011, 09:32 PM
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I think my problem laid with the oil filter adapter o-rings. Either way, I ended up doing the rear main, oil pan gasket, and the o-rings. Good now
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