My Cuda Leaks Oil - How To Stop?

[Carlwalski]

My resto team have been on the Cuda for about 1 week. Checking out an oil leak, they've checked top to bottom, changed gaskets, everything but it still drips like a 50c size drip every now and then.

It's only small but how do you stop it. I've heard a few guys say that old Mopar engines and most brand-X's all leak and I've even started a topic once before about it. So, any ideas how to put a halt to it?


Cheers,
Carl

[MEK-Dangerfield]

NZ,

  Sorry to sound stupid here, but where is the oil leaking from? The valve covers should be an easy find, but maybe something more serious? NO, it shouldn't be leaking. I remember your previous post about Mopar engines leaking. That isn't true. Can you tell us where it is leaking? In front of the engine, or behind it? That might help. Can you see the oil dripping on the engine block?  Just trying to help here. 
 Any info is good info.

  Mike

[Bullitt-]

NZ, My 50K mile '73 340 does not leak to the point of leaving anything on the ground. Only leak I've ever had was after replacing the heads I did a poor job of installing the intake gasket, a gap was left at the rear. Two professional mechanics diagnosed as a rear main, so I was going to repair myself but watched for a while & was able to trace the problem back to the source.
If your PCV system is not working you can get lots of ooze due to pressure buildup.
      Where does it appear the oil is coming from?

[Carlwalski]

Sorry Mike, my bad.  


It's leaking from around the timing or sump joints. Had new gaskets and seals and the leak has decreased in size by about half but still has an annoying sized oil leak. Sometimes I wish I had a Jap engine bottom end, they never leak.   Heck, most of their transmissions don't even have gaskets they are that well machined.

The thing is these guys know their cars and work and have been doing it for ages yet they can't get the car to fully stop leaking. They said sometimes you just can't get every last leak. The stopped the 727 leak without any trouble so that's good but the engine doesn't wan't to play nice.
 

[Bullitt-]

If thats the area it is originiating from I would guess the front oil pan seal. Did they replace the oil pan gaskte set? Look at the fuel pump seal also.

[Carlwalski]

Yip, they removed the oil pan drained, new gaskets and seal. An easy job to do yet she won't play nice.

[Bullitt-]

Re-torque the pan gasket, I have found that after a heat cycle they will generally be loose, pay special attention to the two most forward bolts as they are hardest to get to yet play the most crucial role in keeping the front seal tight.

[Carlwalski]

I will pass it on but I think they'll already know this and then some which is why it's got me beat.
They can build Lucy, yet this Cudas 1cm drop is unstoppable.


 

[Chryco Psycho]

remove all the oil , it wil stop leaking !!! 
looks like it needs to be done again properly , my bet is the front banana seal is out of place

[Carlwalski]

It was done properly, if it were sealed any more the sump would be halfway up the engine. 
I'll see how they've gotten on in a few days time. I'll pass this info on just incase.

Trust me, Adam my mechanic is a "Chryco" and has been doing cars for some 30+ years  I believe.
Though, not all Mopars, classic cars though.

Come to think of it, he maybe NZ's answer to Chryco, he looks a little like you.
He's the guy on the right. 


 

[Bullitt-]

Here's my mechanics

[Robb]

try UV dye in the Oil.   


 
sometimes its just financially smarter to let it drip with some cardboard on the floor of the garage, and just watch the oil level frequently.   Wait till its a major problem and then the leak is absolutely obvious. 
 

[Carlwalski]

Thanks Robb, I am going into day to see how they have gotten on. 

[dimples]

NZ. If you make it fast enough, people wont care about the oil leak!

[Carlwalski]

Done! All fixed, appearantly after the test drive the older residue stuff had evaporated. 2 days, no leaks.


Thanks for your help anyway, least I know what to look for in future (hopefully not).