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Topic: 76 Oil Leak

in Forum: C3 Engines

76 Oil Leak

Posted: 5/28/19 2:37am Message 1 of 8
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Hazle Twp, PA - USA
Joined: 8/26/2017
Posts: 11
Vette(s): 1976 Mahogany L82

I am trying to hunt down an oil leak on my 76. After driving it yesterday I found what I believe to be motor oil all over the back end of the passenger floor pan underneath the car. Obviously it is blowing back from somewhere but I was wondering if anybody experienced this before and could maybe point me in the right direction ? I have not been finding any oil on the floor when parked it only seems to happen after driving it.  Any help greatly appreciated !




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Re: 76 Oil Leak

Posted: 5/28/19 6:00am Message 2 of 8
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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

I would suggest making sure you are looking at engine oil. It's possible it is transmission fluid, assuming it is an automatic. Only way to determine what it is would be to get it up in the air and get a closer look to see what type of oil it is. Could be anything from a valve cover leaking to a rear main leak if it is actually engine oil.




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Re: 76 Oil Leak

Posted: 5/28/19 7:45am Message 3 of 8
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Scottsdale, AZ - USA
Joined: 5/23/2007
Posts: 617
Vette(s): 1981 Corvette Two-Tone Claret color, 4 spd, C7 Vert

I was just under mine last week and followed a stream of oil out of the rear of the valve cover, down the block and blowing over the floor area you speak of.  I removed the lower, rearward nut on a stud on the right side valve cover, (holding the "tubes" on an '81) and with a deep socket, tightened the valve cover (careful not to overdue it and crush/split the gasket under it).   I used a degreaser and brush to clean the surrounding area. Time will tell how much I stopped. 




      Only 34 years together

Re: 76 Oil Leak

Posted: 5/28/19 8:05am Message 4 of 8
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Hazle Twp, PA - USA
Joined: 8/26/2017
Posts: 11
Vette(s): 1976 Mahogany L82

Thanks I will check valve covers tonight. I looked at mine from the top down and didn't see any oil anywhere. Im going to get it up in the air on Thursday.




Re: 76 Oil Leak

Posted: 5/28/19 8:10am Message 5 of 8
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Hazle Twp, PA - USA
Joined: 8/26/2017
Posts: 11
Vette(s): 1976 Mahogany L82

Yep I know, It doesn't appear to be Dexron Red but I haven't ruled that yet out either. I'm going to get it up in the air on Thursday to get a closer look. Could just be bad a bad pan gasket too I guess. Thanks !




Re: 76 Oil Leak

Posted: 5/28/19 11:11am Message 6 of 8
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Scottsdale, AZ - USA
Joined: 5/23/2007
Posts: 617
Vette(s): 1981 Corvette Two-Tone Claret color, 4 spd, C7 Vert

Lay on your back and stick your head under with a flashlight and look for a "trail" running down the back end of the starter and bellhousing.




      Only 34 years together

Re: 76 Oil Leak

Posted: 5/28/19 2:12pm Message 7 of 8
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Overland Park, KS - USA
Joined: 7/9/2003
Posts: 914
Vette(s): 1973 Orange Metallic Coupe (orig owner), L82, 4 spd (WR), PS, (A/C & PW (I installed from wrecked 73)), leather, AM/FM Stereo, ran with '65 FI unit earlier & will again some day. 2023 Accelerate Yellow HTC Stingray

While you have it up in the air, if it's not obvious where the leak is, then spray everything down with brake cleaner so that you can tell more easily where the leak is coming from the next time.




1973 L-82 4 spd

Re: 76 Oil Leak UPDATE

Posted: 6/1/19 3:20am Message 8 of 8
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Hazle Twp, PA - USA
Joined: 8/26/2017
Posts: 11
Vette(s): 1976 Mahogany L82

Replaced transmission modulator, trans pan gasket, filter & fluid.... No more leak !!! Thanks for the help I appreciate it greatly !




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