Oil Sump Plate Leak

Beetleboi -Greg- · March 08, 2009, 09:51:34 PM

So, I put on my new rubber gaskets on my sump plate and now it's leaking. I've always had trouble with oil leaks, that we thought was fixed but apparently was not. Now since I've had the car the acorn nuts or studs just spin. I didn't realize that the acorn nuts can spin freely so im going to double check them tomorrow. I'm thinking maybe the rubber gasket wasn't flat against the sump.

I have found heli coils for that size, they are like 35 dollars for a pack of 12 but didn't know if there were other options, going to drain the oil tomorrow, and take a better look at the acorn nuts. What's the advantage of teh acorn nuts over regular nuts?

Thinking about using 4 gaskets instead of 2 for now, just so he only 2 studs/nuts that don't spin have more preasure to hold onto.

It's always something isn't it?

I'm losing a quart a day.

bugs2much · March 09, 2009, 09:33:08 AM

Better take it off the road for awhile. A quart a day? Talk about the Exxon Valdez shocked

6T5 square · March 09, 2009, 11:24:47 AM

For a quick fix- don't use 4 gaskets. Do you have small split washers on the studs? this will press the nut down and possibly keep them tight. If the stud is spinning, you could probably jbweld them. But these are temporary fixes. You will need to put larger studs into the case eventually. this requires the motor to come out (makes it easier, ever try to drill and tap laying om your back? It's not fun). It's definatley not an easy job, but it is do-able.

It's an ugly job, thats why people haven't been quick to answer

Beetleboi -Greg- · March 09, 2009, 01:08:42 PM

John, thanks for the info. I'll try the split washers and replace the rubber gaskets with the cardboard. The engine didn't leak AS bad with the cardboard gaskets maybe the rubber ones need a better seal. Parking my car especially during show season isn't the option I was looking for. Hopefully the split washer will fix the problem, until I/We can pull then engine. Might as well replace the heads and install the tins at the same time...guess I shouldn't have bought the HD TV... ::) Heck it was worth it.

6T5 square · March 09, 2009, 04:46:11 PM

Paper gaskets swell up when they absorb the oil, helping to seal the leak a little. With rubber, you need a tight seal to begin with

bugs2much · March 09, 2009, 05:02:08 PM

Dad and I are going to look at it tomorrow when he's not dressed so nice *garage stuff* so far it seemed like the split washers helped some of the studs are too short to allow the split washers but 4 out of the 6 do. Won't know till we put oil in it though if it will slow the leak any. What you said about the paper gaskets swelling is what I was thinking why they might be better than the rubber. See you tonight.

Beetleboi -Greg- · March 09, 2009, 05:58:43 PM

Ooops dad's new computer must be possessed.

Beetleboi -Greg- · March 10, 2009, 11:44:16 PM

So dad looked at the oil plate, turns out it was bent. 2 of the studs we were able to replace because they came right out. The others dad cleaned up with a tool because the threads were flat. Plate is now snug, no major leaks when I took it to napa, or when I brought it home but when I left for work there were some spots which could have been old. I put some cardboard under the motor to check in the morning. I dunno what's up with this motor, runs great... just leaks. ::) It's still not as bad as it was. Looks like it's leaking under the oil pressure relief valve, though it could be dripping off.

Thanks for the help guys. Someone even suggested permetex, but I'm not pointing fingers. =-)

dawelder · March 11, 2009, 12:00:29 AM

If I were you I would just give up and sell it. Hell I will take it off your hands if you would like I1t

bugs2much · March 11, 2009, 09:40:54 AM

Quote from: dawelder on March 11, 2009, 12:00:29 AM
If I were you I would just give up and sell it. Hell I will take it off your hands if you would like I1t

How about a trade for the Ghia. :icon_cheesygrin:

Beetleboi -Greg- · March 11, 2009, 10:13:24 AM

Several oil drips today, Pat ill trade it for the ghia and that fancy new welder u bought. I wonder if subarus leak...

Beetleboi -Greg- · March 11, 2009, 01:15:47 PM

Is it possible that the oil cooler itself is leaking? We fixed all the seals what could have gone wrong? Bob Jack Etc I want to talk to you about an engine build for next winter. What parts I should be looking for and how much I should be estimating cost wise. I figure a year should be enough time to plan and collect parts. Also, id like to see if the purple bugs block is salvageable i know it has an 009 dizzy and tin work that could all be used for the engine build. Just gotta get it out and start hacking at it.

lovebus (jack) · March 11, 2009, 02:13:18 PM

I already gave you all that info the last time you brought this up. ./// Or was that the time before, or maybe the time before that or the time before that time.