Oil leaks from around oil pan
 

I read that Model A's often leak oil, but I see pretty heavy dripping of oil somewhere from around oil pan and when I drive I see the trace from the oil drops. Would it be a good idea to remove oil pan and put a new oil pan gasket ? Does it typically solve the problem ? I intend to do it without taking the engine off the car.

Unfortunately I could not find a video on youtube showing the process. Are there any particular tips in replacing the gasket ?

Also if I remove the pan, is there any other maintenance worth doing at the same time ?

Re: Oil leaks from around oil pan
 

Re: Oil leaks from around oil pan
 

You could try tightening up the bolts that hold the pan on, might help, might not, it's worth a try. Don't over tighten them.

Re: Oil leaks from around oil pan
 

Yes, if you are reading and following the Les Andrew's red book... it says to torque the oil pan nuts to 20 ft lbs. That is wrong and a misprint.
You want to torque them to 5-6 ft lbs... but most just do tight with a wrench.

Torque values and capacities:
https://www.brattons.com/specifications.html

Re: Oil leaks from around oil pan
 

There are 4 oil pan bolts closest to the front of the car where the holes are not blind, go through to the motor oil. Perhaps try removing them and put sealant on the threads and reinstall. Maybe you will be lucky and that is you problem - happened to me.

Re: Oil leaks from around oil pan
 

Yes look around before dropping the pan. I thought I had an oil pan leak but it turned out to be the oil return pipe on the valve cover. Easy fix compared to dropping the pan.

If you decide to drop the pan, ensure the pan rail is straight before re-installation.

Re: Oil leaks from around oil pan
 

The only other time I had a leak was my fault. First time I dropped the pan to service clean the oil pump screen, I used a new gasket set, and missed the instructions on not cutting the rope seal flush (allow extra length so it squashes in tight when pan is reinstalled), and did not add a dab of sealant on the pan next to the front/rear seals.

Re: Oil leaks from around oil pan
 

Wipe everything lean and run car to find the origin of the leak.

Re: Oil leaks from around oil pan
 

Yup... do this first. Could very well save you a lot of time and effort. Don't overlook the front motor mount bolts. One of them goes into the block and if the threads aren't sealed it can leak down onto the pan making it look like the pan is the culprit.

Buy a couple cans of aerosol brake cleaner go at it.

Re: Oil leaks from around oil pan
 

Yep. I'm thinking the leak may well be something else.

Re: Oil leaks from around oil pan
 

Great advice. Do you use the aerosol break cleaner to clean the bottom of the pan ? It is all covered by oil deposits.

What about Fluorescent Leak Detection Dye to add to oil. Can it help to trace where the oil leaks ?

Re: Oil leaks from around oil pan
 

You could use dye if you want, but, I don't think its necessary. There is enough room to look at everything.

Oil leaks from around oil pan
 

I’ve never had my pan off, but, as I understand it, the pan holds the oil pump in the car. (Somebody will correct me if this is not right.) Remove the pan, and out pops the oil pump with it. The vendors sell a tool to help get the pump back into the car. The hole is easily stripped if you use the wrong type of screw in the hole.


https://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/P...earchByKeyword


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Re: Oil leaks from around oil pan
 

Another tip if dropping the pan, drain the oil and let it sit overnight draining before removing the pan. Less drippage from the block area while the pan is off.

Re: Oil leaks from around oil pan
 

Yes go ahead and use it on the pan and engine. Works rather well for removing oil.

Re: Oil leaks from around oil pan
 

These can be used to help get the oil pan reinstalled.

https://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/P...earchByKeyword


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Re: Oil leaks from around oil pan
 

The tool mentioned in post #13 is a good thing to use.

Another tip: bring #1 piston to TDC, then turn the crankshaft another 90°. This puts all the throws horizontal, giving more clearance for removing installing the oil pan.

Hopefully you'll find the leak and won't have to remove the pan.