Hey guys a few months ago I noticed that I had an oil leak from the oil pan, so I replaced the gasket and refilled it with 10/30. It’s been fine ever since. But I did noticed that I had a small leak from the oil cooler hose. Last week, I figured I’d try to get away with a cheapo fix and just replacing the washers (duh –not). But after changing the washers and refilling with 20/50 I obviously still had a small leak from the hose. But this morning I started it up and let it idle for about ten mins and all of a sudden it starts pissing oil, but not from the hose! It appears to be coming from somewhere on the passengers side rear of the engine. I didn’t have time to crawl under there and take a look (I wasn’t dressed for it either), but what’s in that area that could cause a leak that bad? BTW the car is an 84 SE. Thanks for your help.

 

OMP jumps to mind, also your oil drain plug (iirc it drains at that side) could have come loose, dowel pin gaskets although I've never seen one just go and start dumping oil. That's all I can think of.

 

Definitely not the drain plug, but I was thinking the OMP as well. But stranger still, when I got home and started her up, no “MAJOR” leak?! I let it idle for about 15 mins then drove it around the block for about 10 mins and no “MAJOR” leaks? I drove the car about thirty five miles this morning and still no “MAJOR” leaks? When I say “no major leaks” I mean it isn't leaking like it was yesterday morning (ie. pissing all over my driveway) but I still have a small leak from the oil cooler hose which I expected. I don’t get it, what gives?

 

Leaking oil isn't so much of a problem - it's when it STOPS leaking oil that you have a very serious problem!

In other words, you need to make sure that you keep that oil system full when you know there's a leak. As another owner of an 84SE, I have gotten very accustomed to checking the oil with EVERY fillup just to make sure that I don't let it go and run into engine-kill oil starvation. The leak that you described as "Major" - how much oil is that in what period of time?

The only thing at the rear of the block on an SE that could be leaking there is either the oil pan gasket, the engine block itself, or possibly one of the oil injection lines (but that would be drips, only).

You're really going to have to get that car up on jacks and stands and get under there to find out where it's coming from. I wouldn't be driving that car until you do - it only takes one overheat to cause horrible and expensive problems.

Post back when you get a chance - maybe some pictures? Good luck,

 

It definitely has oil I’ve checked it several times in the last two days. Right now I’m having a tri-link & Panhard installed so when I get the car back I’ll definitely investigate this further. As for the “major” leak, I’d say it created a 12’ by 12” puddle in a matter of seconds! I don’t drive the car all that much it’s a dedicated auto-crosser. In fact I think I’ve only driven the car two or three times since I replace the oil pan gasket and that was just a couple a trips around the block. I’m thinking maybe the pan gasket didn’t seal properly and it’s just now showing because I’m using a heavier oil?

 

What's your oil pressure like? Could it be a sticking pressure relief valve creating these leaks? Just a thought...

 

Also, make sure that you didn't overfill the system when you changed the oil. This should be obvious, I know, but the repair manuals sometimes have conflicting information regarding capacities...

 

That's a good question I only have the instrument cluster gauge to go by right now and I think.... its around 70 to 80 psi..... but don't quote me on that. When it was leaking I don't recall the gauge being pegged or high, but seeing I have to replace the oil cooler hose, it maybe a good time to get an oil pressure gauge anyway.

Could be, something else for me to check.

I'm pretty sure I didn't do that? My Haynes manual says 6.1 quarts so I start with 5 and add from there until it reaches the full mark. But who knows, anything is possible and with my luck I doubt it’s something that simple.