Optispark seal leak on timing cover

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May 23, 2014 | 08:17 PM

CTSLKR

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From: Tucson Arizona

Optispark seal leak on timing cover

My 1993 LT1 engine has a leak in the quarter sized seal where the Optispark shaft slips into through the timing cover. It's been a tough one to fix. Three replacement seals in the past month have failed to stop, only slow down the seepage.

I would certainly be grateful for any advice. I'm not sure whether the timing cover should be replaced as the source of the problem, perhaps the hole is no longer perfectly round? The forth time in three weeks is the last attempt I wish to correct this problem.

Thanks,

Lance:willyhttps://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/images/smilies/willy_nilly.gif:

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May 23, 2014 | 09:11 PM

kimmer

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Hmm, wonder if that's where my leak is.

May 23, 2014 | 09:37 PM

PLRX

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This is a LT cancer. Install the new one, and live with it.

Few years ago, I rebuilt my LT4, the front started to leak, and I put a cardboard under the crossmember. Once in a while I clean up the area with the pressure washer.

May 23, 2014 | 10:24 PM

CTSLKR

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From: Tucson Arizona

The Leak....

Wasn't sure what you meant .... It's had three new seals in the last 3 weeks. Would the timing cover change help or not? New seals have not helped.

Thanks,

Lance
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Quote:

Originally Posted by PLRX

May 23, 2014 | 10:56 PM

pcolt94

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From: Orlando FL

Does the inner part of the seal actually look bad?
Are you inserting the shaft first with a little oil on it to keep from tearing the seal. Then installing the opti.
Did you try another shaft.
Is there excess play in the opti bearing. Wobble.
How is your PCV valve? Is there excess crankcase pressure?

Last edited by pcolt94; May 30, 2014 at 09:55 AM.

May 23, 2014 | 11:45 PM

CTSLKR

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From: Tucson Arizona

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All good points.... I'll look into the shaft idea, though it's a new (3000 mile on this Optispark) distributor. PCV valve will be replaced just in case. Thanks for your ideas. Will let you know which one worked.

Lance

Quote:

Originally Posted by pcolt94

Does the inner part of the seal actually look bad?
Are you inserting the shaft first with a little oil on it to keep from tearing the seal. The installing opti.
Did you try another shaft.
Is there excess play in the opti bearing. Wobble.
How is your PCV valve? Is there excess crankcase pressure?

May 24, 2014 | 12:11 AM

higgyburners

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Last edited by higgyburners; May 24, 2014 at 12:13 AM.

May 24, 2014 | 12:29 AM

CTSLKR

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From: Tucson Arizona

Not sure what happened to your message. .... I will check on my laptop in am to see if I can decode the version I received on my phone. The photo made me feel like there's hope.

Thanks,

Lance

Quote:

Originally Posted by higgyburners

Check this also ( click picture )