oil leak behind distributor
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: monaca pa
oil leak behind distributor
Is there a shaft seal that can be replaced on a 94LT1 opti-spark distributor ?
I believe that is where my oil leak is coming from.
If there is a replacement seal does it just slip over the drive gear or do you have to access it from behind the timing chain cover ??
I believe that is where my oil leak is coming from.
If there is a replacement seal does it just slip over the drive gear or do you have to access it from behind the timing chain cover ??
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 40,156
Likes: 45
From: San Pedro CA
Re: oil leak behind distributor (steve bavaro)
check to be sure it ain't the intake...
I don't know about any seals behind the opti... could be...
If you are going to reach it, it is going to be behind the timing cover. I did my opti, and I did'nt see any sign of a seal available from the front. for that matter, I don't remember any seals...
if your going that deep, you should replace the main seal and the opti/water pump combo if not already done.
I don't know about any seals behind the opti... could be...
If you are going to reach it, it is going to be behind the timing cover. I did my opti, and I did'nt see any sign of a seal available from the front. for that matter, I don't remember any seals...
if your going that deep, you should replace the main seal and the opti/water pump combo if not already done.
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From: Canton GA
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Re: oil leak behind distributor (steve bavaro)
Yes, there is definatley a seal behind the opti. It was a pretty high failure point in the 92-94 LT1's. I was told by a vette mechanic that almost every LT1 in that time frame leaks from that $3.90 seal and it will only get worse. I noticed my '92 leaking when I did the wires this past weekend. It isn't bad, but now I am looking at a front motor tear down to make it all better. Hey, with 91K on the odo, I can't complain.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 40,156
Likes: 45
From: San Pedro CA
Re: oil leak behind distributor (steve bavaro)
I doubt it... reaching for Helms manual... it looks like the cover does not have to come off...
to quote Helms...
ENGINE FRONT COVER OIL SEALS
Remove or Disconnect
* Front cover oils seals for crankshaft, distributor, shaft and coolant pump driven gear shaft.
They then go on about how to install using special GM tools and stuff. My guess, you can use large sockets and be ok.
Without digging into this, I would have no clue... but I still don't remember there being an available seal on the front cover... I was looking for my copy of Corvette Fever from 2/01, hoping to check pix, but I cannot find it.
to quote Helms...
ENGINE FRONT COVER OIL SEALS
Remove or Disconnect
* Front cover oils seals for crankshaft, distributor, shaft and coolant pump driven gear shaft.
They then go on about how to install using special GM tools and stuff. My guess, you can use large sockets and be ok.
Without digging into this, I would have no clue... but I still don't remember there being an available seal on the front cover... I was looking for my copy of Corvette Fever from 2/01, hoping to check pix, but I cannot find it.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 28
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From: monaca pa
Re: oil leak behind distributor (bogus)
Thanks Bogus and all the rest for your input. I just purchased a front timing cover gasket set from Advance Auto. Only $11.50. It contains the water pump "o" rings and bearing seal, along with the water pump gaskets, front main seal and distributor seal. Just looking at the seals tells me that the front cover must be removed to install.
The weather in western PA. has not turned cold yet, so I will be waiting a bit before I tear into it. I will keep you informed.
Last question..............Does anyone know if the oil pan must come off before the timing cover can be removed ?????????????
The weather in western PA. has not turned cold yet, so I will be waiting a bit before I tear into it. I will keep you informed.
Last question..............Does anyone know if the oil pan must come off before the timing cover can be removed ?????????????
2nd Gear
Joined: Jan 2026
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Desert Hot Springs
Petris Optispark Parts and Seals
Thanks Bogus and all the rest for your input. I just purchased a front timing cover gasket set from Advance Auto. Only $11.50. It contains the water pump "o" rings and bearing seal, along with the water pump gaskets, front main seal and distributor seal. Just looking at the seals tells me that the front cover must be removed to install.
The weather in western PA. has not turned cold yet, so I will be waiting a bit before I tear into it. I will keep you informed.
Last question..............Does anyone know if the oil pan must come off before the timing cover can be removed ?????????????
The weather in western PA. has not turned cold yet, so I will be waiting a bit before I tear into it. I will keep you informed.
Last question..............Does anyone know if the oil pan must come off before the timing cover can be removed ?????????????
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 8,581
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From: Communist Colorado
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