Oil leak

[mwelther]

Hello --- got a 1968 Fury 3 with a 318....no oil spots in driveway and there is occasional start up blue smoke but it goes through oil...took a closer look and under the carb on the top manifold there are several indentations in the manifold (where the bolts are) -- in the rear indentation on both the right and left side are pools of oil -- any ideas where it may be coming from.

Car runs fantastic -- just goes through oil at a high rate.

Thanks,
Mike W

 

[67Monaco]

Valve covers most likely.

 

[Mr C]

What is a high rate? How often does it need a top up?

 

[mwelther]

What is a high rate? How often does it need a top up?

quart every 250 miles

 

[67Monaco]

A quart every 250, you'd notice more than a spot on the ground if it were leaking.

 

[bulldogchesty]

Could be blowing back through your oil fill hole.

 

[mwelther]

Valve covers most likely.

the guy I got the car from put some crappy looking chrome covers on -- not sure of the fit and quality -- I have the originals so do you think getting a new gasket and putting those back on my be a solution?

 

[Fishfan]

the guy I got the car from put some crappy looking chrome covers on -- not sure of the fit and quality -- I have the originals so do you think getting a new gasket and putting those back on my be a solution?

I'd give it shot. Not an expensive fix. Check the pooling after and the consumption. Might not be your only problem but it's a start. When putting the covers on don't overtighten as it'll warp the covers and make a bad seal. Alternate back and forth as you tighten the bolts to specified torque.

 

[73Coupe]

Chrome won't get you home - and on an engine will more likely leave you stranded.

86 the chicom valve covers for the OEM American made ones with new gaskets. Check the flanges to make sure they're straight too.

Also check your PCV valve, if equipped, or just replace it, and replace the crank case filter too. Make sure the PCV is hooked up correctly.

Are you getting any smoke from leaking onto the exhaust?

 

[1978 NYB]

Check the oil pressure sending unit.....they are notorious for leaking oil through the switch.

 

[Speed_Kills96]

valve cover and gaskets are leaking onto exhaust manifolds

 

[moper]

If it's smoking and using, I'd say it's getting tired. The oil comes up the intake bolts most of the time, especially if the engine is worn a bit. It's due to crankcase pressure. make sure teh PCV is good abd the reather side is good too. Stay on top of the level and it will be fine for a while but the smoking means the rings are starting to go, or guides, or both.

 

[eyemon]

excess oil comsumption

Hello --- got a 1968 Fury 3 with a 318....no oil spots in driveway and there is occasional start up blue smoke but it goes through oil...took a closer look and under the carb on the top manifold there are several indentations in the manifold (where the bolts are) -- in the rear indentation on both the right and left side are pools of oil -- any ideas where it may be coming from.

Car runs fantastic -- just goes through oil at a high rate.

Thanks,
Mike W

Mike, I have (had) the same problem with my 1978 360 and also my 1971 440. The oil pooling in the
manifold "pockets" at one or both sides of the carb comes from the around the bolt located within that pocket. That is one of the bolts attaching the intake manifold to the cylinder head and what I've been told by Chrysler engine mechanics is that the tapping (in the head) for that bolt is very near an oil passageway. A small crack or corrosing away of the thin metal between the oil passageway and the tapped hole for that particular bolt, allows the engine oil (under pressure) to enter the tapped hole, and then seep up past the threads on the bolt, showing and pooling in the pocket.
The fix is simple and easy. Remove the bolt and use a parts cleaner to remove all traces of oil. Then thoroughly clean the tapping for the bolt (I used a spray can of parts cleaner) and dry it out using compress air. Coat the threads on the bolt with high temp sealant (the red stuff), re-install and tourque the bolt. I waited overnight before starting up my engine just to be sure and have not had any more oil puddles in the four years since.
The other thing that may be happening regarding using more oil than you are happy with is
to notice, especially on startup of your engine while it is still hot, if your exhaust gives out a puff of blue smoke. That is an indication of motor oil leaking down into the cylinders past the valve stem seals. If you have some mechanical ability It really isn't too much of a chore to install new neoprene
seals (even I have done it so you know that it can't be too hard). Basically you will only need a constant supply of compressed air, valve spring compressor tool(not very costly), and of course, a
set of intake valve stem seals and exhaust valve stem seals.
I hope this information helps you. I apologise for the lengthy post.