302 Oil Leaks

[kozak]

So my engine had an oil leak comming from the timing chain cover. I bought new gaskets an sealer an changed them an put it all back together. It was good for a little bit, but started leaking again from the same spot. Could it be something else causing this ? Im tempted to just buy a new 5.0 an throw it in. My current engines from around the early 80's.

[baddad457]

Where on the timing cover?

[kozak]

It puddles up on the top of it. I checked the distributor O-ring and it looks fine, so Im sure it isnt comming from there..

[88mudder]

mine has been leakin there too. Its annoying me! Its prolly the intake manifold or upper rad hose...cant feel any wetness on them tho. Anybody else have this problem?

[kozak]

Yeah I was wondering if it could be my intake as well, but it doesn't show any signs of it comming from there.
And also, when I have it running, I can take paper towel and soak up the puddle of oil, and then you can watch it come right back.

[baddad457]

Sounds like it is coming from the timing cover gasket. The cover could have a problem, either cracked or corroded. If you can get the oil off and cleaned up, try applying a bead of RTV sealer over the leak point and let it dry before running it again.

[rangerslim]

intake gasket......mine did the same thing......

[projectnitemare]

If you changed the intake did you remember to put RTV in the corners of the gaskets? If not then that's your problem. If you didn't touch anything then it could be the timing cover, the mating surface of the block or the intake. I'd doubt the block, if the car was wrecked good chance it's the timing cover, if the intake was removed possibly that gasket.

Matt

[kozak]

When I changed the timing chain cover gasket I got rid of all the old gasket and sealant. Cleaned it with gun wash, let it all dry, put blue rtv sealant on both surfaces stuck it together and snugged it up. I couldn't find any cracks on the block or the timing chain cover.
And I can take paper towel and soak the oil up, and watch it come right back within seconds, comming from the timing chain cover at the top.

A buddy of mine can get a newer 5.0 302 Mustang engine with 130 km on it with all the fuel injection stuff for $1000. So I might just go with that.

Thing is, I don't really know much about fuel injection.

[baddad457]

When I changed the timing chain cover gasket I got rid of all the old gasket and sealant. Cleaned it with gun wash, let it all dry, put blue rtv sealant on both surfaces stuck it together and snugged it up. I couldn't find any cracks on the block or the timing chain cover.
And I can take paper towel and soak the oil up, and watch it come right back within seconds, comming from the timing chain cover at the top.

A buddy of mine can get a newer 5.0 302 Mustang engine with 130 km on it with all the fuel injection stuff for $1000. So I might just go with that.

Thing is, I don't really know much about fuel injection.
:icon_idea:You Must be related to these "Cajuns" down here.:D
Spend a grand fixing a $20 problem ? :hottubfun:

[kozak]

Heh, no. It's just that my motors from the early 80's, is a little tired. I figure a $1000 for a newer motor with all the fuel injection stuff is a pretty damn good deal.
I'm gonna tear it all apart again and see if I can fix the leak first though.

[gobe]

Your dist. o-ring may look fine, but usualy they just get hard as a rock and
brittle. Take a small screwdriver, and stick it under the o-ring and see if
it is stretchable or not. It will prob. break into pieces.
hope this helps
Gobe




So my engine had an oil leak comming from the timing chain cover. I bought new gaskets an sealer an changed them an put it all back together. It was good for a little bit, but started leaking again from the same spot. Could it be something else causing this ? Im tempted to just buy a new 5.0 an throw it in. My current engines from around the early 80's.

[88mudder]

if u cant find the leak then just take it to a shop and have them do it. Still beats buying a new motor. If something really bugs the shit out of me i just pay a shop to do it. Doesnt happen very often tho. Hope this helps!

[bobbywalter]

sounds like your cover has a porosity in it or a micro crack. how loose was the chain?

[kozak]

The chain seemed in good condition, fairly snug. I talked to the old owner and he said when he first got it that it kept over heating. So I'm guessing that the timing chain cover is warped.
I'm still going to get the new engine, cause its a steal of a deal, and with my current one I'll give it a re build an stick it in something with 4 wheel drive.
Damn oil leaks. Thanks for all your help.