I've been posting on this all week, but I've got another question.
I had a mechanic look at it, and he told me it's leaking from the heads and intake manifold. I agree with him on the intake, but I'm not so sure about the heads. (I'm doing the job myself and I've got the manifold off.) My concern is that I get it put back together, and he was right about the heads. Here's why I'm sceptical. The oil is making it's way to the exhaust (at the very bottom of the car, not at the exh. man.) and starting to smoke. So I've tried to trace where it's coming from. I have a thin coat over several areas...the oil filter and surrounding area (but it's not leaking from there), the starter, the engine mounts on both sides (front) and the back of the power steering pump. There is a little oil around the front and back edges of the intake manifold, where the old RTV sealant was. I've run my fingers along the joint between the heads and block and can't find any oil on the sides, but I can't see towards the front or back on either side.....SO....
Should I just redo the intake for now and see if that stops it?
Anyone in the Atlanta area that could come and take a peak at it?
I'm near the car right now, so if anybody needs more info to help me out, I can look for some stuff....
Thanks in advance.

 

Funny you should mention this problem...

I was told a similar thing, replaced the intake base gaskets and still have an oil leak.

However, I don't think my heads are the problem area. I can't see how oil would leak from them to the outside and now show up in a compression check.

You might also check your dipstick tube and the oil temp sender above the oil filter; I've had leaks in both areas.

I would just replace the intake gaskets and button it up; lets see if anyone else can shed some light here.

 

Certainly don't think it's your heads. Possibilities include the valve cover gaskets at the rear; rear main seal - especially if the car's been stored for any length of time, and the tranny pan gasket (if you have an auto). Not much room to view the rear of the valve covers & the gaskets are going to be a little easier to replace now that the manifold is off. Just be sure to clean the hold down bolts and then reinstall them with a little loctite & to 80 inch/pounds working from the center outward. A leaking rear main seal will usually drip at start up, so after you get the manifold back on, look for a drip between the rear of the pan & the flywheel cover after letting it sit overnight & then just after you start it. Once warm & if you drive it regularly, most minor rear seal leaks go away. Tranny pan leaks are fairly common and can look like engine oil. Put a paper towel or something white underneath it to make sure it isn't tranny fluid. Odor is good indication too. Also, change the oil (some coolant may have gotten into the pan when you pulled the manifold anyway) & clean the engine & surrounding parts. I like to use non flammable electrical cleaner with high evap rate; but brake parts or throttle body cleaners work just as well. With everything nice & clean, further leaks will be easier to pinpoint.

 

WP, there is no oil flowing through the heads on a gm 350... consider changing the valve cover gaskets while your at it, also check the oil pressure sending unit that is to the left of the distributor (drivers side) more then likely the oil is from both the rear of the intake and the valve covers, the rear main is another thing but it would not be flowing from the top down....
if you get hung up I'll take a peek at it for you, let me know.....frank

 

Yikes......
No oil coming from the oil pressure sending unit....
Changed the oil temp sensor, and sealed it up nicely....(PITA)
replaced the valve cover gaskets.....
replaced the manifold gaskets, and all the other gaskets in the intake-runner-plenum setup. (I know, no oil there).....
Still leaking. -Getting Frustrated-
:mad :banghead:
Rear Seal? Dang I hope not.