72and86

I noted when I got the car and drained the oil it seems to have a 7qt pan. So...

After changing the oil last fall I noticed my 71 (454 BBC) starting leaking right at the drain plug. Several attempts the fix it and several types of replacement plugs later, it leaked all winter when in off site storage. It didnt leak alot but enough to be annoying and leave stains...

What was stock on this 454? A 4 or 7 Quart oil? Any ideas how to fix the leak? (it's believed that the pan might have a tiny dent next to the plug threads , not allowing the plug to perfectly sit up against the metal...)

If I replace it, do I go with a 4 or 7 qt? I'd rather not replace it, especially if its original...

MelWff

The stock pan would be 4 plus 1 for the filter, so you use 5 quarts at oil change. They make small metal washers with imbeded rubber on both sides. You screw them onto the plug and they prevent leaks. This gives you an idea what they look like and most autoparts stores should carry them.

http://www.maxautosupplies.com/produ...FUcOOgodAD8AgQ

72and86

Yes I used that exact item from "oil-tite" brand. In fact when 1 didnt work we added a second which helped but didnt stop the leak. I stopped the leak for a while but later it began again.

calwldlife

I use thread sealer, non hardening
last threads before the head, allows no over tightening
and no loosening from vib

TimAT

GM Performance parts shows a 5 quart pan p/n 14091356 for the BB in '71. And a 6 quart pan 14104131, Also used on the LS-7. Maybe that's why my 69 takes 7 quarts? The sump is longer than normal.

LS4 PILOT

look at your owners Manuel. it gives the capacities in the back pages.

LS5 stock capacity should be same as my LS4 , my car takes 6 qt WITH A new filter change to complete an oil change.

MelWff

The washer you are using from "oil-tite", does it fit loosely on the oil drain plug threads or can you screw it on to the threads?

72and86

Hmm. Dont remember...

Im not sure if the add'l oil capacity affects the oil pressure but when cold this 454ci pins the oil pressure gauge passed 70. As the oil thins it comes down to 30-35.

Alan 71

Hi,
The 71 GM Chassis Service Manual shows the capacity for the BB engines offered to be as Mel noted... 4 quarts in the pan, and 1 quart in the oil filter.
In fact it shows that capacity for ALL Chevrolet engines offered in 71.
The owner's manual lists 4 quarts plus 1 for the filter as the capacity on page 78.
Regards,
Alan

I can remember that back in the sixties I didn't have much money so would change the filter every other oil change. I can remember the fellow at the service station asking people if they wanted to change the filter or not.

72and86

I believe a "CAN" of oil was 0.39 cents in the early 70s...