Leak in bottom of crankcase
 

Hi,
Newbie question here..
Is is possible to seal a crankcase without removing the engine and/or pull apart?
I'm asking because the motor seem to have a small leak in the bottom of the crankcase next to the sump plate (where the two halves meet).
My mechanic mentioned that the engine needs to be resealed but I don't know if that is too extreme.. I mean I can live with the leak yet I want to get it fixed...

Or is there a product I can apply to the leaky section (I'm thinking some kind of silicon) ?

Thanks
-Jasper

Can you take a picture of where it's leaking from?

Probbly "looks " like the seem and if checked carefully......probbly not.

I'm rebuilding a 3.0 motor and the flange for the sump plate isn't quite flush where the case halves join. It looks a little like split type lock washer. I doubt it came from the factory that way. I wonder if someone bent it jacking under the sump? If left uncorrected I bet it would leak a lot.
I know, pictures would better. Gotta to get back to work now.
-Chris

Thank you all for your replies, finally I had access to the car (currently in storage).

Here are the pictures:

There are 3 points where you can actually see the oil dripping (circled in red):
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1116119798.jpg http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1116119810.jpg http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1116119818.jpg
I can see the PO either opened the case or tried to contol a leak or something because there is some
"ruberish" gulp around the nut and also the yellowish thing is like tile grout (hard and sand-based)
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1116119826.jpg http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1116119835.jpg

So for what I can see, the leak its all in the sump plate, plug and a stud; Its brand new and new gaskets (screen in between gaskets) and new nuts (tightened using proper torque).

So probably I have the same problem as Chris where it looks like a split type lock washer.
Is there a silicon-like and/or sealant gulp I can apply ? I mean that can get pretty hot and oil will brake down almost any silicon I know...

So I'm all open for suggestions....


Thanks so much
-Jasper

Jasper,
Looking at the pics, it is not really apparent where the source of the leak is. These drips are at the lowest points of th engine case and could come from anywhere at a higher point on the engine case. These points would include cylinder spigots, oil return tubes, case thru-bolt seals. These are beside the ones you mentioned. I would suggest you thoroughly clean the case so there is no oil film anywhere below the cylinder spigots. drive it for a half an hour around town. Then take a clean white towel and drag it across the side of the engine case. It will help you narrow down the list of possibilities.

Dave,
I think I've seen some sort of foam based shampoo I can spray so the bottom of the case and surroundings are really-really clean. I'll do as suggested.

Thanks
-J

You can also pick up an additive at Napa. It adds a fluorescent color to the oil. Run it for 1/2 hour, then shine a black light and follow the trail.

spray talcom powder all over it after a good cleaning.....the trail will appear......