Damm freakind oil leak and stinky heat

alf · 12-10-2007, 06:06 PM

My previously unleaky car has developed a dripping habbit and stinking up the heat. Most annoying.

Not looking forward to spending an afternoon under the car this weekend to find/fix the leak. Looked at 101 projects and it appears that half the leaks could not be taken care of w/o an engine drop.

Anyone dealt with this with any success?
Do I drink before, during or after the job?

I am thinking of having John Walker do a top end and dropping in some web cams, maybe a set of SSIs and refreshing all the seals. Although it does not need it.

iamchappy · iamchappy's Garage

During, and after!

slodave · slodave's Garage

I'd actually start before. That way, you go in relaxed and when you find out you can't fix the leaks in a day, you won't get as mad...

derandjer · 12-12-2007, 09:15 AM

I had a similiar problem. Fixed without an engine drop. I had two problems, maybe related, who knows...
1. The oil return tubes were leaking and oil was making its way to the heat exchangers. These can be replaced with the engine in (there are many postings of how to do it)
2. Their was some damage to the heat exchanges, allowing some exaust air to find its way into the heated air part. A little TLC to seal the leaks did the trick

Good luck, it's a lot more fun driving without carbon monoxide poisioning

old man neri · 12-12-2007, 03:28 PM

I have an 88 as well. I had a small leak that turned into a waterfall of oil, it would drip right onto the exhaust pipe and cause lots of smoke. Turns out it was the oil idiot light sensor. 25 min fix and no engine drop.

3.2 CAB · 12-12-2007, 04:19 PM

Yep, it is a crap shoot, on where the oil is leaking from. I would advise moderate alcohol intake while searching, then repeat, repeat,...

9dreizig · 12-12-2007, 04:46 PM

also check all the banjo fittings on the oil return lines,, that was an easy one for me

jorian · 12-12-2007, 04:53 PM

I plan on doing this next Saturday as well but I am dropping the eng-trans to get them all.

rusnak · 12-12-2007, 05:26 PM

The most common sources of oil leaks are the oil pressure warning light sensor, crankcase thermostat o-ring, and oil breather gasket. Do a search and you'll find lots of pictures, explanations, and parts diagrams. If it's leaking on the exhaust cross pipe, chances are it's #1 and #2. Easy to change in a 3.2L car.