Alright guys, the LT1 is leaking again . I know these motors leak so I'm not going to spend time and money chasing it down. I have replaced every seal and gasket you can with the engine in the car (Intake Manifold Gasket with "the right stuff", oil pan gasket, rear main seal, all 3 seals in the front cover including a new billet hub, oil filter adapter, valve covers, you name it, all the seals and gaskets are new. I spotted a small trail coming from the front of the pan again, looks like one of the front seals. Right now it is small, only a 6" trail on the front of the pan or so nothing hitting the ground.

Since I have had the car I have replaced the oil every 4k miles with Mobil 1 5W-30 high mileage oil. I am not trying to start another oil war thread here, but I am curious if this is the best choice of oil? Would I be better off with regular 5w-30 Mobil 1? Should I use a slightly higher viscosity? Possibly even a synthetic blend such as Valvoline Max Life? I know all the additives and stop leaks out there won't do any good. The car is a daily driver, about 12k miles a year and I currently have 110k miles, so I am not surprised or pissed that it leaks, I kind of expected it.. I have replaced the seals on the front cover twice now, not doing it again, just going to let it leak. Just want to try and find an oil that will keep it from becoming progressively worse, if there is such a thing? I am thinking about Valvoline MaxLife Full synthetic 10w-30 or continuing on with Mobil 1 HM.

Any thoughts?

I appreciate it

 

My LT1, I switched to synthetic, it started leaking too.

 

LT1's are FACTORY synthetic fill. There is NO oil cooler and the oil temps get too high for conventional oil. Synthetics should not in the LT1 cause them to leak more oil. They are built for it.

Also, you might want to check and make sure your PCV system is operating correctly. One that is not can increase oil leakage.

 

just curious did you use the recommended tools for replacing the seals in your front cover or did you improvise.

 

I was going to ask the same question!

If you open the oil fill cap while the engine is running do you get alot of Blow by coming out?

 

Higgy, This is the tool I used for the water pump seal:



Rubie, I do believe my PCV system is working correctly. And just to be sure, I ordered a new AC Delco "Made In USA" PCV valve from Rock Auto and put it in about 2 months ago. I know these engines came with Mobil 1 as a factory fill just wasn't sure if there was a better high mileage synthetic out there with better seal swelling agents than mobil 1 high mileage.

Desertmike- I will check tomorrow. Do I let the engine get up to operating temp before removing the cap or should I remove it on cold start and check for excess blow by?

 

A synthetic oil is required in the LT1. The car does not have an oil cooler, so the heat transfer of the synthetic is required.

 

Get her up to operating temp before popping the cap..

 

Will do

 

Okay, I don't believe there is any excess blow by. Got a quick vid for you off the phone.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hZPh...ature=youtu.be

 

I use mobil1 10W-30. According to the owner's manual, you can use 10W-30 if the temperatures are going to be above zero F. Where I am in Florida it is way over that and 99% of the time over 40* F even if your car is outside not in a garage. Our problem is the heat most of the year.

If your under 0* F in the morning, you got to be well north of Orlando (and probably Florida), and that is when I would use 5W-30.

Being in crystal River which is at about the same latitude as Orlando, I don’t see why you could not try the 10W-30.

 

Awesome info, I remember reading that in the owners manual and FSM. I believe I ran 10w-30 for one oil change and didn't notice much of a difference in oil seepage but I will more than likely run it for my next oil change. I have been running Mobil 1 5W-30 High Mileage, which is the full synthetic with some seal swelling agents in it. Do you suggest I just run the standard Mobil 1 Full Synthetic even though I am at 110k miles?

 

Many years ago I was inquiring about high mileage oil. I forget what the particular information was (unfortunately), but the info was not good and was advised not to use it. Wish I could remember more but all I basically remember is to use the basic synthetic oil or regular oil if for another car what is required.

I'm not an expert on this by any means but only repeating the important info that I remembered.

Here is a link for fun, there are many more.
http://askville.amazon.com/high-mile...uestId=5999219

 

I can't tell from the ViD how much, if any air is being pushed out.. but if it were blowing at you, you would feel it.

 

Pcolt- thanks, might just run the standard Mobil 1 full synthetic then. How many miles are on your Vette and do you have any leaks?

Desert, nothing was blowing, didn't even see oil vapors. So I am assuming the pcv system is ok?

 

I agree with pcolt94, years ago I had heard/read not such good things about high-mileage oils.

However, at the time a full synthetic high mileage wasn't available (or wasn't available where I typically purchased my oil).

Suggest reading about oils before considering any changes here: http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/motor-oil-101/

 

Good read. I think I will stick with 10w-30. He seems to think even thinner viscosity would be better.

 

I am approaching the 156,00 mileage mark. I just have a few drops on the floor from time to time, not even a puddle. Was putting on about 12,000 a year when I was working and now about half that much.

Use to change it every 6 months (6K miles) but now about once a year at 6,000 miles. Uses about 1/2 quart between oil changes. I can live with all that real easy.

 

Amen to that, just have to live with em. I'll stick with regular Mobil 1 it looks like.