oil leak
 

OK took the 30 out for it's second drive after a long time not being driven and it ran great!

But, got home and almost right away there was dark oil coming out of the bottom of the bellhousing area?

Engine oil looks like honey and is full.

Could it be rear main seal or more likely the transmission leaking?

It's coming out of what looks like a drain hole at the bottom of the bellhousing?

Thanks for any info.

Re: oil leak
 

I add 4 quarts at each oil change. Running a little lower than the full line on the dipstick helps to not have such a rear main leak.

Re: oil leak
 

Tom is right not adding a full 5 quarts when changing oil because at least a half quart or more remain in the dipper trays of the oil pan. I run mine half way between full and add and I think that the majority of folks do the same. Probably is oil coming out the rear of your engine and is picking up dirt in the bell housing causing it to be off color. Most all A's drip some oil out of the bell housing hole marking their spot when parked. As long as your not too much more that a teaspoon or so sized spot it's not too big of a worry. If the spot is large drain some out in order to be in the middle range on the dip stick and see what that does for you.

Re: oil leak
 

The leak didnt happen on first outing but that was short enough to just get the motor warm.

Second run lasted longer and then it leaked.

The puddle was about 6 inches wide.

I'll try the draining idea as it was full to the line.

Hope this solves it?

Also, I have an oil leak by the top of the lifter side cover that I bought a new gasket for and since I didnt put the head on should I do torqing process to be safe too?

Thanks all

Re: oil leak
 

My Buick leaked all over until I started driving it every couple days. Then it was just quarter sized spots occasionally.

Re: oil leak
 

You may find this hard to believe... But.... That's pretty much normal.

You'll find that some days you get a drop or two after a drive and other days you get a big spot. One guy in a club here has a pan under his roadster pickup that looks like a full bathtub. He figures that if the pan already has oil in it, then he won't freak out when he sees drips under it.

Another way to get a lot of oil drips after a drive- Do you have to drive uphill to get home?

Keeping the oil level below the "full" mark will reduce oil spots as mentioned above. However, personal choice- I'd rather have the oil level "full" and risk some oil drips under the car than to run with the oil down and risk having even less oil if a leak does develop out on the road somewhere.

Re: oil leak
 

Remove your Valve Cover and check for cracks that are commonly found by some one installing it with too much wrench torque. Or maybe the gasket has moved? Dry off oil from cover and block, use a little Silicone sealer for Oil on bolth surfaces.
Re-install your Gasket, I tighten just a little more when the bolt bottoms out.

I don't even use a Gasket, just Silicone Black ATV Gasket Making Sealer, and have No leaks.