oil leak and the simple fix

[Scottie Sale]

Hello all you crazy kids.I have a H34 w/ a 3gm30f that seems to have a slight leak that comes from the crank case(at the bottom of the engine). I'm assuming that there are two courses of action: 1. tighten all the bolts that hold the crank pan in place. 2. replace the gasket. The big question is it possible to replace the gasket without hiring a mechanic? Any other precautions need to be heeded? Thanks for the help!

 

[Ray Bowles]

Check with a mechanic first.

Scottie, Unless you are mechanical enough to investigate the possibilty of your crank case leak actually being caused by the rear main seal, front cover seal, pan gasket or drain plug washer (to name the most probable sources)I would suggest having a good mechanic (engine man)look it over. I would think $20 to $25 and possibly a cold brew would make this happen after he got off work. He could advise you of the source and difficulty of the corrective action. You could then judge your abilities to correct this. Good luck, Ray

 

[R.W.Landau]

Check again

Scottie,Before you spend the time changing the pan gasket, make sure it is not coming from above and collecting and dripping from the pan. If you are sure, pinpoint the spot and check it out when you disassemble it. make sure there is no facing problem.r.w.landau

 

[Sam Lust]

Oil from above

R. W.'s point is valid. It is more likely that the oil is coming from somewhere above, more than likely the rocker cover. Get a mechanic's mirror and light and get in there and look.I removed the oil pan from my 3GM30F prior to installing it in my H 33 so I could put in a drain valve. Once the 24 6mm bolts were out it was one MAJOR pain to get the pan to break free of the engine block itself, and this was with free access to all sides of the engine. Unless you're an excellent, triple jointed mechanic with little monkey fingers I wouldn't even consider that job.