Another leak

[Daryl]

I noticed another leak while I was under the car. This is in the gap between the rear edge of the oil pan and the bell housing. My mechanic is going to take a look with his scope. I’m hoping it’s NOT a rear main seal :-(

 

[Daryl]

Can anybody venture a guess as to what might be leaking?

 

[RAU03MACH]

your mechanic loves you

 

[07GtS197]

I’d guess the rear main seal.

 

[Daryl]

your mechanic loves you

Huh? I don’t get your meaning.

 

[weendoggy]

It could be several things. VC gskt., rear intake china wall (sbf), oil pan. Need to really clean and inspect to find out.

 

[96blak54]

Seals have their service life and as old as our cars are getting, they failing. Probably time to replace all the seals. Pulling the transmission isnt terrible. Dropping the oil pan is terrible tho, lots involved like K-member drop. Having the right tools and equipment is a major help, but hey while you are there upgrade the clutch.

If its your valve cover gaskets failing, when you pull of the covers, swap out the valve seals too.

If its the china wall, take time to clean up the intake manifold and get the injectors serviced

Dang cars will nickel and dime a man to death!

 

[96blak54]

SCE – 1-Piece Rear Main Seal

www.tmeyerinc.com

one piece rear main seal

 

[Daryl]

Ok, I’ll bite… what’s the China Wall?

 

[weendoggy]

Ok, I’ll bite… what’s the China Wall?

That is the engine block wall between each side. One in front, one in rear, where the intake sits. I never use a gasket there, just a good 1/4" bead of silicone. I guess it got its nickname due to the tall block feature thinking its like the Great Wall of China, thus, the "china wall". Now you know and are edge-u-ma-ka-ted.

 

[96blak54]

Gap between the ends of the block and ends of the manifold bottom. Not a common area oil oil leak, but definitely an area of an oil leak. There are seals made that lay across the wall and do well to seal up, but most just use a heavy thick bead of rtv when seating the manifold