Oil leak at engine half flange

[autobonrun]

I'm trying to remove all oil leaks from my 79SC and noticed that at two points where the engine halves are flanged together there are small drips. The gasket appears very moist. Can these bolts simply be retorqued or could I cause the leak to increase by tightening them?

[Rot 911]

If the bolts are not torqued to spec you can tighten them, but don't expect the leaks to go away. Once the case halves start to leak they are damn near impossible to stop without splitting the cases. Although Leland on this board got some good air force sealant that appeared to work on a leak he had.

[autobonrun]

Thanks. I was afraid that might be the answer. I think I'll just live with the leak rather than risk overtorqueing them; since as you point out, retorqueing won't eliminate the leak.

[ChrisBennet]

Originally posted by autobonrun
I'm trying to remove all oil leaks from my 79SC and noticed that at two points where the engine halves are flanged together there are small drips. The gasket appears very moist. Can these bolts simply be retorqued or could I cause the leak to increase by tightening them?

I had a case leak on the bottom after my first rebuild and I "patched" it with epoxy. With the engine upside down on the stand, I cleaned the area thoroughly. Otherwise I don't think it would have worked as well. I tore it apart and resealed everything within a month so I don't know how long lasting the fix is.
Are you sure oil isn't leaking from someplace else and collecting at the lowest point on the motor - the case seam?
-Chris