Here's what I think is a cause and effect case. There has been a oil pan leak and a transmission leak (both really slow, but time played in their side), resulting in a lot of cleanup to do.













(modified large images to links)Adams' Apple2007-07-26 05:19:34

Im sure the real wizards here will chime in here and tell mel if Im wrong but I also have a very very slow leak from the "hole" you indicated above. I've not confirmed this but feel its probably my rear main seal.  Mine isn't nearly to the point that Im ready to tear into it.  As for the cleanup, Ive had absolutely great results with "Gunk" Engine Brite citrus based engine cleaner.  Spray it on, let set for about 10 minutes then use an ordinary garden hose to rinse it off.

The "hole" in the dust cover is so fluids(water, oil, etc) won't gather in there, and get slung around by the flywheel. Depending on what kind of oil it is...if it is engine oil, there is a leak from the pan, the main seal, or even the rear of the intake.
If it is trans fluid, there is a leak at the front of the trans.

The P/S control valve can be cleaned with brake cleaner with no problems.

Humm, I have both "Gunk" (which leaves a nasty smell for weeks as far as I remember) and brake cleaner.  I'll probably go for the second one, since I can wipe if off easier than Gunk.  74-4542007-07-26 20:31:02

74-454, I have to agree with Crossfire about the leaky rear main. And the steering control I agree with everyone Gunk is the best. Because there is so much fluid leaking or seaping out of the streering control. You need to think about pulling it off and rebuilding it yourself or buy a rebuilt one and return the core to cut the cost. But I do remember 74-454 in a previous posting from you that you like the experiance of working on your vett. Rebuild kits are available for the steering box and even the steering piston. You may want to replace the seals in the piston. Not making work for you just a suggestion. I replaced both the Box and piston in 2002 they still look great just watch it though if you replace the control box Vetts do crazy things when you frist start it so stay clear untill you get it ajusted out. Thanks

Joel Adams is exactly right about the leak.  If it is engine oil, your rear mani is leaking.  That is easily fixed.  you can drop the pan by just unbolting the steering idler arm.  If it trans fluid, it is the front trans sal.  That involves removing the transmission, then pulling the torque converter.  A lot of work, but not rocket science.

I use GumOut spray carb cleaner for areas like your valve.  Check to see if your leak is the ram, valve or a hose.  We carry them all at Corvette Specialties - 763-784-8577.

i get some oil leaking out of the same hole on my car and mine is not the rear main.  when i pulled the flywheel housing off to replace my oil pan gasket, the flywheel and rear main area is dry as a bone.

i believe that the oil on mine is coming from the back of the intake/distributor area.  i'm thinking it runs down the side of the housing and collects at that hole.