Having some oil leakage problems that I think was caused by a bad PCV valve. The car must've heard me mention possible selling it so it decided to pop some leaks. Last time I drove the car it striped the driveway with oil once I got home. Couldn't find the source but definitely on the front of the engine. Today I started it and let it idle for 30 minutes with no drips. Figured that since it only leaked under load it was probably the PCV. Replaced that, wiped down all of the oil then took it for a drive. After a mile or so I stopped for gas and saw it leaking again. Got it home and saw oil had leaked from the front of the intake and possibly the front timing cover seal. While idling back at the house I rev'd it up a little and saw vapor come out of the valve cover breather and both valve covers. So here's my question, shouldn't the replaced PCV prevent the vapor leaks that I saw? I don't want to replace the gasket and seal only to blow them out again. Second question, what is the consensus of sealing the front and rear of the intake? Use the rubber or just RTV?
If the engine is worn excessively, it will overwhelm the PCV system and still pressurize the crankcase. The front of the intake usually leaks at the corners. RTV needs to be applied right where the ends of the front and rear rail seals tuck under the heads. The front of the oil pan can leak where it butts up against the timing cover. That and the front crank seal.
The engine probably only has about 5000 miles on it since installing. All clearances and fitments were double checked by a pretty reputable local engine builder in addition to the machine shop that assembled the short block.
Good, chances are excessive blow by isn't the problem then. You have oil leaks, welcome to the club. Clean everything up as best you can and isolate exactly where the leaks are coming from.
Thanks Larry. I guess that brings up another question. What are your thoughts on gasket selection? Paper? Cork? RTV? RTV on gaskets? I've heard of people swear by about every combination and I've tried most with mixed results.
As far as valve cover gaskets go, the new TA gaskets are the best I have ever used. They are truly reusable and seal with no adhesives what so ever. Right now, just for the 455. http://v8buick.com/index.php?threads/400-430-455-reusable-molded-rubber-valve-cover-gaskets.359633/ As far as intake, oil pan, and timing cover gaskets, I am not sure. My engine has developed some very small leaks, probably inevitable with age.
The RightStuff can even be applied to corners in situ...without removing intake. I had water spraying out a head stud and fixed it at the track with it.....no waiting either....
