minor oil leak
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
minor oil leak
Just got my first Vet. A 1982 with 35k miles. I have noticed a minor oil leak towards the middle of the car.. I have checked the levels and they are full. Is this normal for a 30 yer old car?
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,372
Likes: 4
From: Springfield VA
Could be the rear main seal. The older 2 piece was never 100% for a long time. Its one of several reasons I got a short block from a 91 corvette I am going to build to replace mine.
Unless its messing something up or leaking real bad just check your oil every week or so and top off as needed.
Unless its messing something up or leaking real bad just check your oil every week or so and top off as needed.
Last edited by Marlin; May 31, 2012 at 11:17 AM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 1,200
Likes: 1
From: Belle River Ontario
2015 C3 of Year Finalist
Nothing to worry about , keep your eyes on the fluid levels and keep a rag handy and you're good to go.
With a little effort, time and cash you may be able to eliminate the leaks but you may go insane trying.
Best of luck
With a little effort, time and cash you may be able to eliminate the leaks but you may go insane trying.
Best of luck
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 3,399
Likes: 279
From: Olmsted Falls, Ohio
It's probably the rear main seal. Not a big job to drop the oil pan and replace with a ONE-PIECE gasket. It is messy tho....On the other hand, oil leaks have a way of traveling from the front of engine back to the mid-section. So until you crawl under there you won't know for sure.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,116
Likes: 5
From: Middleburg Florida
No, the don't all leak, and leaks don't usually get better without fixing whatever is leaking. Since it sounds like you might not knows what might be leaking, the first thing I'd do is get a white paper towel lay it on the spot on the floor and see the color of it. That'll tell you if it's oil, trans fluid or antifreeze. Then you'll have an idea of where took and what to do next.
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From: Downtown Annapolis, MD. The Future is where we all have to live. Let's not screw it up.
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11
The mid-chassis minor leak on my '71 turned out to be the .30 cent o-ring on the speedo gear where it enters the transmission.
Heel & Toe
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
my '77 leaks oil. Changing the rear main seal this weekend. $25 fix. No big deal keep in mid a few drops on the floor can spread along ways making it look like a big problem. Just keep your eyes on your levels if you dont want to replace.