Oil Leak "solution"

[88911coupe]

OK...may get shot for this but could a leak at the case seam be treated with a good cleaning and something like JB Weld? I am going to drop my rebuilt engine since I have a couple of leaks but I am a little worried that there may be a leak in the case below the #8 nose bearing area of the two halves. I REALLY don't want to split the case again so was trying to think ahead of a possible solution. I realize I'd have to grind off the JB Weld (or whatever) at the next rebuild in a 100k miles so that's not an issue.
Flame suit on...

[lucittm]

You could try an external sealant and no one would fault you for not wanting to split the case again. However, due to the constant expansion and contraction of the joint, it would probably continue to leak. Are you sure it is not the crankshaft seal junction at the case halves or the intermediate shaft cover o-ring with oil running down the seam?

Good Luck,
Mark

[Eagledriver]

You can give it a try. There was a thread on here a couple of years ago about epoxying a ring around the protruding #8 bearing that was supposed to fix that leak. Make sure it's not from the seal itself, because that can be replaced easily.

-Andy

[silver_911]

JBWeld or similar will not be flexible enough on the seam.
You can try some high-temp resistance silicone (no acid curing!).
Applied after thoroughly cleaning the area with alcohol, it can work for 6-12 months usually, depending on the oil pressure behind.
jens

[88911coupe]

Thanks, can you give me an example of what you are talkinga about, i.e. brand and type? I think I may have some stuff left over from the rebuild that I did not use. One was a silicone sealant a local shop recommended but I ended up using something else. When I get back home I'll take a look.

[ahdoman]

A trick I've seen an old hot rod guy do is clean the area to be sealed real good (he used acetone). Apply a vacuum to the case and apply your sealant. In his case it sucked the sealant into the gap and sealed his leak.