Engine oil leak • The Dodge Challenger Message Board

by **screamin 340** » 14 Jul 2007 20:50

I have an oil leak that is driving me crazy!! It's a 340 with headers. We stopped the oil leak from the valve covers on the passenger side, and replaced the oil pan gasket. There's also a new oil filter on it.

It doesn't leave any puddles while sitting, but while driving, oil gets on the passenger side headers and smokes like a chimney.

There's oil on the bottom of the oil pan ahead of the drain plug. As you all know, this doesn't look cool. Any and all suggestions are appreciated.
Thanks. :hmmm:

by **dave-r** » 14 Jul 2007 22:04

Which area of the headers is the oil splashing onto? The top of the primaries or someplace lower down?

by **screamin 340** » 14 Jul 2007 22:54

It seems to be around or just above the oil filter, it's kinda hard to tell, the headers are wrapped.

Thanks!

by **dave-r** » 15 Jul 2007 10:16

Oil leaks from the oil pump are common. It could be that it only really leaks when rpms are up and oil pressure is higher.

You should concentrate on that area.

Just in case you might want to check if there is any sign of oil coming out of the breather on the top of the valve cover. Just in case you have aftermarket valve covers without a baffle under the breather.

These soft alloy valve covers are also hard to seal because they warp so easily and leak even with new gaskets.

by **Eddie** » 15 Jul 2007 14:52

Is the adapter plate secured? Had you ever removed it? (this is the "plate" thats attached to the block).then you spin the filter onto it.

by **dave-r** » 15 Jul 2007 15:32

Yeah that is the bit I was thinking of Eddie. It needs a good seal and needs to be on very tight if I remember.

by **dave-r** » 15 Jul 2007 15:39

I just looked up something I read about a mate having a problem sealing the adaptor on the block. He said;

When I rebuilt the 360 I couldn't get the oil filter plate to seal which was the cause of much madness last Summer. Ultimately I sealed it with the exact correct gasket (no sealent) and 60lbs of torque. Frankly, I think that the torque spec was the most important element given that everything else was clean and new.

by **screamin 340** » 16 Jul 2007 0:25

Just took a look at the car, started it up and it was leaking around the top of that plate.

I never thought of that. Your help was greatly appreciated!!!

Thanks, Ron