oil cap replacement
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 799
Likes: 21
From: Rock Hill SC
oil cap replacement
Hello all... need some help here. Cruising this afternoon and popped the hood at a break, noted my nice clean engine compartment now had a nice film of oil. Looked around the filler cap, and while I am no gearhead, this doesn't look kosher. Am I correct that this is not the way the oil cap should look for a '71 LT-1??? Where can I get a correct cap that will fit better with no leaks?
Thanks guys... the first of many, many questions to come...
Thanks guys... the first of many, many questions to come...
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
I'm not sure about a correct oil cap, but while you're in there I would suggest pulling the PCV valve and shaking it. It should rattle. If it doesn't rattle try spraying some brake cleaner in both ends and shaking it. You want it to rattle.
If it's gummed up it may have something to do with why oil is coming out the fill cap.
If it's gummed up it may have something to do with why oil is coming out the fill cap.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 799
Likes: 21
From: Rock Hill SC
I'm not sure about a correct oil cap, but while you're in there I would suggest pulling the PCV valve and shaking it. It should rattle. If it doesn't rattle try spraying some brake cleaner in both ends and shaking it. You want it to rattle.
If it's gummed up it may have something to do with why oil is coming out the fill cap.
If it's gummed up it may have something to do with why oil is coming out the fill cap.
Good thought, thanks. Would that also account for pretty rough idling?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: Omaha NE
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It should have a steel cap, not rubber. I put an aluminum wheel emblem on mine....
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: Omaha NE
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I got a chrome cap for $3. Then I got the emblem from Corvette Central for just $12 more..............
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Drifting
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,890
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From: Montgomery NY
Hi Bill
That cheapo rubber cap is correct for a 71 LT1 replacements dont seal as well as the original ones that GM used . You can use a twist on type they work better but are not correct and you remember what happend last time we delt with the correctness cops . that Choppy idle is normal for the solid lifter LT1 camshaft and nothing to worry about Paul
That cheapo rubber cap is correct for a 71 LT1 replacements dont seal as well as the original ones that GM used . You can use a twist on type they work better but are not correct and you remember what happend last time we delt with the correctness cops . that Choppy idle is normal for the solid lifter LT1 camshaft and nothing to worry about Paul
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 799
Likes: 21
From: Rock Hill SC
Hi Bill
That cheapo rubber cap is correct for a 71 LT1 replacements dont seal as well as the original ones that GM used . You can use a twist on type they work better but are not correct and you remember what happend last time we delt with the correctness cops . that Choppy idle is normal for the solid lifter LT1 camshaft and nothing to worry about Paul
That cheapo rubber cap is correct for a 71 LT1 replacements dont seal as well as the original ones that GM used . You can use a twist on type they work better but are not correct and you remember what happend last time we delt with the correctness cops . that Choppy idle is normal for the solid lifter LT1 camshaft and nothing to worry about Paul
DB... after 30 minutes of research here and on Eckler's, and thirty more minutes trying to find the PCV valve, it does rattle. Actually had fun figuring it out. Like I said, I'm no gearhead, but I enjoyed being headfirst in under the hood. Maybe there's hope for me yet! Also actually had fun cleaning the oil up. Hmmm... something's not right. LOL.
Bill
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Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 799
Likes: 21
From: Rock Hill SC
Hey guys... this is my oil filler hole... note the shape is not round, and looks like it should have a twist-lock style cap.
This is the oil fill hole from another forum member... thanks David... who also has a '71 LT-1. The rubber type cap looks like it will seal better here. Is the difference just manufacturing dates? I believe mine was a Dec '01 build. Was it possible they were still using the '70 part? David informs me the '70 LT-1 used the metal locking cap, while '71 and '72 used the round hole, rubber cap... Any other thoughts? Paul???
Thanks guys... awesome forum!
Bill
This is the oil fill hole from another forum member... thanks David... who also has a '71 LT-1. The rubber type cap looks like it will seal better here. Is the difference just manufacturing dates? I believe mine was a Dec '01 build. Was it possible they were still using the '70 part? David informs me the '70 LT-1 used the metal locking cap, while '71 and '72 used the round hole, rubber cap... Any other thoughts? Paul???
Thanks guys... awesome forum!
Bill
Le Mans Master
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From: Omaha NE
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When I saw the slots in your valve cover the first time I knew it was for a twist on cap. My guess would be that they came off a later Vette somewhere along the way.............
L-82s had the same covers from '73 to '76..
I bet the new one came without a cap and the guy didn't notice the slots & used the original plug...
You can find the slot style cover at swap meets all the time. It's where I got mine. But I've never once seen a round style one. Just a 2 year window on them.......
L-82s had the same covers from '73 to '76..
I bet the new one came without a cap and the guy didn't notice the slots & used the original plug...
You can find the slot style cover at swap meets all the time. It's where I got mine. But I've never once seen a round style one. Just a 2 year window on them.......
Last edited by SEVNT6; Nov 18, 2007 at 11:53 PM.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 799
Likes: 21
From: Rock Hill SC
OK, I may or may not have original valve covers, but I hope the oil leak is fixed... Anyone else weigh in on whether it's possible these are original covers?
You guys are great - Thanks!
Bill
You guys are great - Thanks!
Bill
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: Omaha NE
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I'd like to find out more on this too.....
CSI: Corvette scene investigation.......
CSI: Corvette scene investigation.......