Am I Wasting Time and Throwing My Money Away?

hoff944 · 04-23-2005, 08:13 AM

I've got what appears to be an oil leak coming from my sump plate, and one of my return tubes. I've also got a small seap coming from my drivers side chain cover. This all started after my first oil change, valve adjustment, and tune up. I was planning on dropping my engine this fall to pass the time while my fiance' will be out of the country. While I have my engine out I am planning to replace all seals that could potentially leak, replace my vacuum lines, my breather hose, etc. Since I've noticed my leaks starting, I am contemplating removing my engine now and taking care of all of this so I can enjoy some worry free motoring without too much down time. This being said, am I wasting my money and time by dropping my engine and replacing seals that seeminly aren't leaking as of yet? I think I would enjoy the learning experience. Anyways, I'd appreciate any feedback from you more experienced "elfers" than myself.

cowtown · 04-23-2005, 08:23 AM

The sump plate and return tube leaks can be replaced with the engine in the car. If your old sump cover is bent, you could try the billet piece from Maineley by Design (sold here too), which worked well for me.

As for preemptively dropping the engine to replace stuff: sure, if you're doing it for fun, why not? Never hurts to replace the thermostat seal, breather, etc. You could get away with a partial engine drop, but you can pull the whole thing if that's what you want to do. The seals and hoses are fairly cheap.

hoff944 · 04-23-2005, 08:53 AM

Yeah, I realize I could do the return tubes and sump plate with the engine in the car, but I figured if I was going to drop the engine, I would do the return tubes with the engine out of the car.

DustinTarditi · DustinTarditi's Garage

Dropping it may be the impetus to fix a lot of stuff "while you're at it" as well... my recomendation is to not underestimate the "jackstand time" your car mar experience while unforcasted parts are on order, waiting to be installed (available wrench time), etc.

If you just want to stop the bleeding to get some quality road time, just address the known items or big offenders, reserving the detailed stuff for when the engine was going to be out anyway.