AdamMeh

I'm getting an oil film on our aluminum intake around the distributor. I used the paper style gasket that came in the engine rebuild kit.

The leak isn't really a "leak" as in dripping etc. Just a slight film on the aluminum which is frustrating because I had it bead blasted and it DID look like brand new

How can I eliminate this leak? Part 2 of the question is what can I use to clean the oil film up when I take care of this leak? Carb cleaner? Brake Kleen? Something along that line maybe?

Thanks in advance for any advice on this,
Adam

7T1vette

Do you have a working PCV system? Maybe you have oil film on everything, but only notice it on the stuff you just cleaned. If it really is coming from the base of the distributor, you may need two gaskets under it (or an extra-thick one).

AdamMeh

Hi 7T1vette,

It's just at the distributor. Motor is brand new and very clean everywhere else. I do have a PCV as well. I guess I could double up the gasket - just seems odd that I'm getting oil film there. I didn't know they made a thicker gasket. Can also check into that.



Thanks,
Adam

AdamMeh

Also, any suggestions on what I can use to clean up the oil film without staining the aluminum?

AdamMeh

Anyone? Advice on what to wipe up the oil film with that won't leave permanent marks on the aluminum?

Thanks,
Adam

70Speedray

Brake cleaner dries without residue and is not quite as nasty as carb cleaner. Still protect any paint from excess. It doesn't instantly melt paint, but won't do it any favors either.

AdamMeh

I was planning to pull the distributor before I try to clean the intake. Maybe I'll just spray some on a clean rag and try wiping it so it doesn't splatter on the firewall and engine paint. I have used Brake Kleen on lots of things, just not an intake so I wanted to see if anyone had done this before.

Thanks 70Speedray,
Adam

noonie

Test for oil pump shaft clearance, you might not be seating correctly now.
Should be a crankcase pressure problem as mentioned about the pcv, but sometimes the dist and intake don't mate square and in severe cases i have used a thin oring instead of the gasket.

7T1vette

It might also be a leak at the rear of the intake manifold (sealing joint between the intake manifold and rear wall of engine block).

jcloving

Try Greased Lighening or Simple Green and a paper towel or shop rag. Do this 2-3 times and it should take up that oil but leave the paint and aluminum as is.

AdamMeh

Haven't heard of Greased Lighting. I'll look for that the next time I run to the store. Don't know why I didn't think of Simple Green - good stuff.

Thanks for the responses guys!
Adam

bobs77vet

sometimes if they dont seat properly you need to add a small nylon shim under the distributor to make them seat better. i wonder if yours was right on the border of needing that and you didnt notice? did you seal or paint the intake in any way? acetone on a rag would clean up oil but be careful if that you dont melt any paint or sealer that you put on the intake. i usally paint or seal the raw aluminum so it doesnt stain

AdamMeh

Hello Bob,

I didn't put anything on the intake after the bead blasting. I like the idea of a thin nylon shim. That would seem like a good idea compared to a paper type gasket. Twisting the distributor to set the timing always seems like a good way to tear or at least gouge up a paper gasket.

It seems to seat well against the intake, but as we all know, oil will find any way it can to spread through the smallest of spaces. Hopefully, I can get it cleaned up well and it won't be noticeable. This isn't a show car, but I worked really hard to make the motor look good and would like it to stay that way as long as possible.

Adam

bobs77vet

there you go

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/MRG-6059

AdamMeh

Thanks Bob! Done deal - ordering a kit now.

Adam