I noticed an oil leak when the exhaust was being installed on my Z28 last week. The 383 is totally rebuilt and has been driven less than 15 miles. The mechanic who installed the exhaust said it looked like a rear main seal leak. He thought as I added miles to the car it might possibly stop leaking.

Any thoughts? I don't want to have to remove the transmission and engine oil pan to fix the rope seal.

Do you think this Bar's Leak product may work? The link is below.


http://www.barsproducts.com/1050.htm

The day an oil leak fixes itself is the day your oil pan has run dry. (unfortunately)

No comment on additives to correct the issue.

I don't understand why anybody still uses rope seals, they always leak. A neoprene seal will fix that leak. If you're careful you can replace the seal with the engine still in the car, but pulling the engine will make it easier to replace the seal so that it and the pan won't leak when you bolt it back in.

Who did the motor? If you had it built, I would expect the builder to be responsible for any leaks that occurred within a short time of completion. Good luck.

Who did the motor? If you had it built, I would expect the builder to be responsible for any leaks that occurred within a short time of completion. Good luck.

The machine shop owner acutally built the engine. This was done three years ago and the car has been driven 15 miles.

I guess I need to contact the machine shop owner and see what he says about the oil leak.

When and if you go to a neoprene seal, install it in such a way that it is rotated wrt the block and cap. That will further reduce the chances of a leak.

Graig,

Thanks for the advice.

Besides the neoprene seal Fel-Pro also makes a more $$$ seal that is better if your really serious.

Do you think it might stop leaking when the car is driven? Would the heat from the engine make it seal or is this just a wishful thought?

It is also not uncommon for an oil pan gasket leak to mimic a rear main seal leak, you may want to retorque your oil pan bolts before you get serious about pulling the pan. (they don't take a lot of torque, 1 hand on a 1/4" ratchet is all you need)

It is also not uncommon for an oil pan gasket leak to mimic a rear main seal leak, you may want to retorque your oil pan bolts before you get serious about pulling the pan. (they don't take a lot of torque, 1 hand on a 1/4" ratchet is all you need)


yep what rust said. make sure all the pan bolts are tight. the 2 1/2" ones by the rear main and the 7/16" rest of them. i bet that is your problem. could also be the back of the intake manifold. yours wouldnt be the first to leak there. especially if who ever installed the intake didnt use rtv on the ends front and back. the cork pieces are notorious for leaking. clean the motor and inspect.

Guys,

Ok, I will check the pan bolts. Thanks for letting me know to check them!