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Re: [GMCnet] Head gasket leak? [message #328285 is a reply to message #328284] Tue, 16 January 2018 11:08 Go to previous messageGo to previous message
Richard Denney is currently offline  Richard Denney   United States
Messages: 920
Registered: April 2010
Karma:
Senior Member
Remember that drips are annoying but don't necessarily indicate anything
worse than a leaky this or that. Since you are new to old engines, you may
not realize just how much old engines leak compared to new engines. It's
possible but not easy to stop all the oil leaks--too many seams bolt sheet
metal to iron. It was pretty normal in the day for there to be evidence of
oil drips. New engines are quite different in that regard, and usually
don't leak unless something is wrong.

If you are using oil at an acceptable rate (a quart no more often than
every 500 miles), and if the engine is running good with reasonable oil
pressure, then I don't think you have a serious problem.

I had leaks from the front timing-chain cover (which is sandwiched between
the water pump and the block)--it's plate steel and subject to distortion,
especially where it meets the oil pan.

If you have a lot of blow-by, the crankcase will get pressurized despite
the positive crankcase ventilation (which is what PCV means). This will
blow oil out seams that are not at all designed to withstand much pressure.
Blow-by is the result of worn rings, but that just means the engine is a
bit tired, not that it is in immediate danger.

So, my opinion is to believe the smoothness of the engine, the gauge
readings, and the oil consumption to a greater extent than drips.

Rick "who just put in a fresh engine, and MIGHT not have leaks at the
moment" Denney

On Tue, Jan 16, 2018 at 11:47 AM, Jim D. wrote:

> Sorry for the late response to everyone. Couldn't get the internet to work
> after I posted and I get very limited service with my phone. Thanks
> everyone for the info. Im going to wipe the engine down as best I can as
> we are parked currently and its sleeting/snowing out and surprisingly cold.
> Born and raised in NH you never think that Texas would get this cold or
> snow. Now I might have jumped to conclusions with the head gasket leaking
> and
> slightly panicked with the oil sprayed on stuff. Now my valve covers are
> blue which are bolted to the cylinder heads which are bolted to the engine
> block. It looked like a majority of the oil is below the cylinder heads
> and it appears to be on both sides. Ill check the PCV valve as well when Im
> cleaning things up. This being our first major excursion(3months in) I get
> a little nervous with any engine problems as its not my strong suit. Im an
> autobody technician by trade so I can figure my way around cars fairly
> quickly. Just out of my comfort zone a little bit with old motors. I have
> the
> blacklist saved but I couldn't get any internet service on my phone which
> its saved on but ill be calling Dick Patterson here in a few. Once again
> thanks for all the support guys. My number is (603)235-1576
> --
> Jim DeMellia and Jen Radefeld and our cat Ickis
> NH natives
> 1975 GMC “Palm Beach” ,455, her names Linda
> Full time RVers exploring the beautiful and unusual parts of the country.
>
> _______________________________________________
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>



--
'73 X-Glacier 230 "Jaws"
Northern Virginia
Offlist email: rick at rickdenney dot com
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