Oil Leak at Distributor

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Mar 16, 2014 | 12:43 PM

79vetter

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Drifting

Joined: Feb 2005

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From: Richardson Tx.

Oil Leak at Distributor

I've got an Aluminum Vortec Intake and I can see oil coming from the distributor hole. I tried adding a 2nd gasket but it didn't stop the leak.
Apparently the distributor has been torqued down very tight becasue there is a small groove worn around the lip of the hole - on one side of the hole. I'm thinking that is why its leaking.
What could I do to remedy this? Would a hi-temp sealant work in that groove to level things out?
thanks

Mar 17, 2014 | 02:58 AM

AboveTheLogic

Burning Brakes

Joined: Apr 2013

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From: Las Vegas NV

Is your PCV system functioning properly? Could it be blow-by?

Are you sure it is coming from the distributor and not the intake manifold gasket, the valve cover gaskets, or the little oil pressure fitting near the distributor?

Mar 17, 2014 | 09:49 AM

79vetter

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Drifting

Joined: Feb 2005

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From: Richardson Tx.

Positive that it is coming out of the disti. hole.

I do have a PCV valve but it is installed on the drivers side valve cover - does it matter what side of the engine its installed in?

The breather is installed on the pass. side valve cover.

thanks

Mar 17, 2014 | 10:15 AM

ttoptom1

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Joined: Nov 2011

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From: Indiana

Had same set up with PCV vacuum connected to air cleaner-didn't pull enough vac-replumbed to manifold vacuum and problem solved-don't plumb to PB booster

Mar 17, 2014 | 11:47 AM

AboveTheLogic

Burning Brakes

Joined: Apr 2013

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From: Las Vegas NV

I don't think the side matters.

On a side node, I do have my PCV connected along with my booster and my booster performance is terrible. I attributed it to needing to tune the carb better. Maybe I need to try re-plumbing it. I was considering finding a vacuum pump from a big caddy or something in the junkyard.

Mar 17, 2014 | 12:44 PM

ttoptom1

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Joined: Nov 2011

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From: Indiana

2 reasons for not plumbing into PB booster-don't want any contaminates in booster and in case of vacuum leak could cause loss of brakes. I'd replumb then check for leaks since having prob with booster

Mar 17, 2014 | 01:38 PM

AboveTheLogic

Burning Brakes

Joined: Apr 2013

Posts: 1,194

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From: Las Vegas NV

Yeah, I'll try that. Sorry for the thread hijack...

Mar 17, 2014 | 01:39 PM

REELAV8R

Le Mans Master

Joined: Apr 2011

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From: Hermosa

Look at your distributor at the bottom. Between the two rings on the bottom is pressurized oil running around the perimeter. The rest of the shaft is just exposed to lifter valley oil mist.
If that valley mist is pressurized by excessive blowby then it will seek an exit.
Normally that is handled by your PCV.
I haven't seen mine leak at that spot and I don't think the gasket has a lot to do with sealing it other than very minimal transient pressures in the lifter valley. But having the surface messed up can't help.
Do you have any other symptoms of blowby, like burning oil in the cylinders as seen on the plugs or observed out the tail pipe? Or oil in the intake plenum from the PCV that you can see by opening the secondaries.
Or maybe oil getting puked out the valve cover vent side?
There should be other evidence if that is an issue.