Home page
SPONSOR AD

Topic: oil leak and cleanup

in Forum: C3 Car Care

oil leak and cleanup

Posted: 7/25/07 10:30pm Message 1 of 7
Lifetime MemberLifetime Member
Send PM
Canada
Joined: 8/6/2004
Posts: 533
Vette(s): Coupe 74 - 454 Drive it like you stole it!
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.

I will hopefully get rid of the leaks by resealing (new gaskets) both of them, but I'm puzzled by the hole that is dripping oil (circled in red). What is this ?


Second; can I clean the proportioning valve by spraying it with brake cleaner ? Will it affect the rubber hoses ? I would like to clean it up while not having to take everything out.


Here's the visuals...








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


SPONSOR AD:: (Our Sponsors help support C3VR)

oil leak and cleanup

Posted: 7/26/07 4:48am Message 2 of 7
Profile Pic
Former Member
Send PM
Cramerton, NC - USA
Joined: 8/22/2006
Posts: 1094
Vette(s): black 1982 coupe slate gray interior, 350 crossfire, 1985 fuel pump, Steeroids R&P conversion
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.


oil leak and cleanup

Posted: 7/26/07 5:24am Message 3 of 7
Profile Pic
Lifetime MemberLifetime Member
Moderator
Send PM
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
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.


Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56    

My Link


(click for Texas-sized view!)
             NCRS

"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

oil leak and cleanup

Posted: 7/26/07 8:28pm Message 4 of 7
Lifetime MemberLifetime Member
Send PM
Canada
Joined: 8/6/2004
Posts: 533
Vette(s): Coupe 74 - 454 Drive it like you stole it!
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. 
 
I don't feel like running the hose in the garage because the car is on 4 stands now and will be for a few weeks.
 
Both (pan & trans) are leaking at the bolts.  While having it on stands, I'm planning to replace the trans filter and gasket as well as the oil pan (it's a little dented and the paint is almost non existent because of the peeling).  Then I'll clean everything around and watch for other leaks.  While goind the pan, I think it would be proper to take care of the main seal!
 
(Or course, it's the p/s valve not the proportioning valve....Embarrassed
74-4542007-07-26 20:31:02


oil leak and cleanup

Posted: 8/2/07 10:32am Message 5 of 7
Former Member
Send PM
Falls Church, VA - USA
Joined: 3/22/2006
Posts: 232
Vette(s): 1975, 4 speed, L48, NOW Silver mist, Oxblood inside 2003 50th Av Torch RED little brother to 75
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
 
sgm2004 



oil leak and cleanup

Posted: 8/7/07 6:09pm Message 6 of 7
Former Member
Send PM
Mounds View, MN - USA
Joined: 5/24/2007
Posts: 1031
Vette(s): 70 LT1 coupe, 69 350 HP coupe, 69 390HP 427 coupe, 71 LS5 convert, 85 coupe, 93 coupe
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.


oil leak and cleanup

Posted: 8/8/07 6:43am Message 7 of 7
Profile Pic
Former Member
Send PM
York, SC - USA
Joined: 9/4/2005
Posts: 534
Vette(s): 1974 mille miglia red with oxblood interior 355ci, 320hp
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.



in Forum: C3 Car Care


SPONSOR AD: (Our Sponsors help support C3VR)