another oil leak thread

[Rrrockhound]

I've had my SC parked for over a month while I'm getting over shoulder surgery. Until my arm recovers, I can't shift a stick, let alone handle unboosted steering. Anyway, the SC always leaked a few drops in a few days of being parked, but over the last few weeks, it's been weeping like crazy even though it hasn't even been running. I'm talking a few cc's a day. I've tried cleaning up the underside to get some idea where it's coming from, but with only one arm, it's tough to do.

Anyway, my theory is that sitting parked for so long is letting oil sit and pool in places and find conduits that it could never find when I was driving it every day. Is there any validity to this? I'm hoping that once I can starting driving it again, the leaks will ease up.

[jlex]

Could be.
My '85 was totally dry until I let it sit one winter which is when the oil return tubes decided to let go. Don't know if it was oil pooling or the cold winter that stressed the connections, but it wasn't being driven when it sprung a leak...

[robhamster]

I have had both:

Shoulder surgery---my sympathy stick with the PT. It will be your savior. Do not slack off, ever


Oil Leaks: I live where is till get to 20 below outside so maybe 3 below in my garage and when I park my 84 3.2 I will get the puddles. I have tracked the leaks to the return tubes and plan on changing them next spring. During the summer, I have parked the car when I travel and get a small puddle, but nothing like I see when the cold is here.


Remember, stick with the PT like religion.

[yelcab1]

More reason to drive it.

The oil return tubes are notorious. Most likely your culprit.

[Rrrockhound]

Originally Posted by robhamster

Remember, stick with the PT like religion.

I am, even though it hurts like hell. What hurts worse is not being able to drive or work on my P-cars, so I have incentive to get my mobility back.

[jlex]

If you've had shoulder surgery & it's the oil return tubes you've got to replace, then good luck... I can't think of any other under-the-car job that would put more stress on your neck and shoulders than that little project.
I'll bet it took me 4-5 hrs. per side (I know, I know...) to do the job. That raised arm position is gonna hurt unless you're completely healed (and I understand shoulders take quite a while). May be something you'll have to consider paying to get done due to your condition....