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Oil seepage

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Old Aug 2, 2015 | 10:28 AM
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Default Oil seepage

I replaced the starter on my 82 a few days ago and noticed oil seepage coming from where the head and block meets above the starter. I replaced the heads last year with Edelbrock aluminum and used new head gaskets, bolts and torqued to spec. It's not to the point where it's dripping or even close but there is definitely a small oil trail. Is this something to be concerned about?
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Old Aug 2, 2015 | 10:36 AM
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Originally Posted by alconk
I replaced the starter on my 82 a few days ago and noticed oil seepage coming from where the head and block meets above the starter. I replaced the heads last year with Edelbrock aluminum and used new head gaskets, bolts and torqued to spec. It's not to the point where it's dripping or even close but there is definitely a small oil trail. Is this something to be concerned about?

Your leak isn't between the head and the block but elsewhere like the rear of the intake or valve cover.
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Old Aug 2, 2015 | 10:51 AM
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Your leak isn't between the head and the block but elsewhere like the rear of the intake or valve cover.
Blunt, but I would agree. Probably from the valve cover.
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Old Aug 2, 2015 | 12:06 PM
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Well that's the weird thing. There is no oil coming from anything above it, back of intake bone dry along with under the valve covers.
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Old Aug 2, 2015 | 12:07 PM
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So you would say it has nothing to do with the head gasket?
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Old Aug 3, 2015 | 12:03 AM
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Well if it's not serious I would just check it every so often and see how it goes. I wouldn't be concerned at this point.
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Old Aug 4, 2015 | 12:00 PM
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Default UV dye is our friend

I also agree that it is either the valve covers and/or the intake manifold.

I had some small oil seepage issues too. I changed out the valve cover gaskets and that took care of that area.

I then saw some seepage that looked like it maybe from the heads too, but on closer inspection it was from the intake manifold.

I torqued down the intake manifold and that has taken care of that issue.

I put UV dye in the engine oil, so if I get another seepage issue, with my UV Flashlight and UV Glasses, I'll be able to spot the area where it is originating from.

Good luck on finding your oil seepage issue.

Last edited by 1974CorvetteJimCr; Aug 4, 2015 at 12:02 PM. Reason: grammer
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Old Aug 4, 2015 | 04:47 PM
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Originally Posted by 1974CorvetteJimCr
I also agree that it is either the valve covers and/or the intake manifold.

I had some small oil seepage issues too. I changed out the valve cover gaskets and that took care of that area.

I then saw some seepage that looked like it maybe from the heads too, but on closer inspection it was from the intake manifold.

I torqued down the intake manifold and that has taken care of that issue.

I put UV dye in the engine oil, so if I get another seepage issue, with my UV Flashlight and UV Glasses, I'll be able to spot the area where it is originating from.

Good luck on finding your oil seepage issue.
Hmm that's a good idea. Where do you get the dye at? Regular parts store?
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Old Aug 4, 2015 | 04:48 PM
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Originally Posted by REELAV8R
Well if it's not serious I would just check it every so often and see how it goes. I wouldn't be concerned at this point.
Yes it's not serious, I thought maybe had to do with the new head gaskets or something..
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Old Aug 4, 2015 | 10:43 PM
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Default UV Dye

Originally Posted by alconk
Hmm that's a good idea. Where do you get the dye at? Regular parts store?
I got my oil UV dye at AutoZone.

The Leak Detection Flashlight can be order from O'Riley's

http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/de...0701&ppt=C0052
Attached Images  
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Old Aug 4, 2015 | 10:52 PM
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Default True UV LED Flaslight

That photo shows my Leak Detection Flashlight. It works great, but if you want a true UV Flashlight, here is the link.

http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/de...0084&ppt=N0639


The OPTI-PRO(TM) Plus is a new, state of the art leak detection lamp featuring a true UV (violet light) LED head coupled to a rugged, anodized aluminum flashlight body. It's specially designed to provide optimal fluorescent dye response and contrast, ensuring all leaks glow brilliantly!

Part # TP8655
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Old Aug 5, 2015 | 12:30 AM
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Thanks! I will try that.
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