Oil Spray - Help Please - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

rdkuffel · 12-03-2012, 02:04 AM

1971 Chevy K10 with SBC 350.
Sorry for the longish post, but I wanted to write all the symptoms.
Yesterday, I started my truck after it had been sitting for 2 weeks. It ran very rough and wouldn't idle. I drove it anyway thinking it needed to warm up since it had been running great and smooth. Anyway, it left an oil slick on the road and oil had sprayed from the front of the engine and seemed to be more concentrated near the fuel pump. It looked like it could have come out from below the heads or possibly at the oil pan (which has a new gasket). It is hard to tell because it was blown around from the fan. It actually smelled of gas too. When I first started it, the oil pressure gauge did jump to high and then settled back a bit. I think it has been running high for a while, but figured it was the gauge. I let it sit for a couple of hours and then started it. It ran perfect again with no oil leaks or spray and this time the oil pressure gauge had normal readings which makes me think I had very high oil pressure. The dipstick read just slightly above full (1/16") which concerned me a bit. I took off the old fuel pump which tested fine but I installed a new fuel pump anyway and again, it ran great. The PCV valve was working fine and the breather was new too. Any ideas as to what may be going on??? Thanks!

*bk2life* · 12-03-2012, 06:40 AM

no pics?

is it still doing it?

bobs409 · 12-03-2012, 07:29 AM

Any chance you took out a bolt in the block near the fuel pump? There is a threaded hole in that location that goes into the oil passage for the pump. If that bolt is removed, oil will leak out there.

jaros44sr · 12-03-2012, 07:45 AM

Does the oil smell like gas?

rdkuffel · 12-03-2012, 11:17 AM

Hi, thanks for the help. It is not spraying oil any more. The bolt to help hold the rod for the fuel pump is in place. I would say yes, the oil does smell like gas and it appears thin to me...no antifreeze though. I can post pics tonight. Thanks again.
Posted via Mobile Device

jaros44sr · 12-03-2012, 02:02 PM

Time to change the oil and filter

rdkuffel · 12-03-2012, 02:33 PM

jaros44sr,
Yes, absolutely. Do you think the problem was the fuel pump? When I had the problem, the fuel filter was full and I noticed with the new fuel pump, the filter was not full, just a steady flow. I'm wondering if I should change out my oil pump, but I don't really want to if its not necessary.

jaros44sr · 12-03-2012, 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rdkuffel

jaros44sr,
Yes, absolutely. Do you think the problem was the fuel pump? When I had the problem, the fuel filter was full and I noticed with the new fuel pump, the filter was not full, just a steady flow. I'm wondering if I should change out my oil pump, but I don't really want to if its not necessary.

Sounds to me that fixed the problem with a new fuel pump. JMHO, but, the oil pump should be fine, you didnt run it that long with the gas/ oil mix. The spray couldve come past the timing cover seal at the crank snout, possibly the viscousity of oil was so thin that it got past the seal....just keep an eye on the area and see if it happens again. Then look further

Others will chime in if im incorrect

rdkuffel · 12-03-2012, 05:16 PM

Thanks again everyone; I'll keep a close eye on it and let you all know if anything changes or something else happens.

rdkuffel · 12-06-2012, 01:10 AM

Well, I put a new fuel pump in and changed the oil. The oil definitely had gas in it. I also took apart the old fuel pump to see if there was any problem with it. It looked fine and the diaphragm had no tears or punctures. I started it and it ran great, but again, it is showing high oil pressure. Soooooo, I guess I'm gonna start doing some diagnostics....starting with a leak down test. I wonder if it has bad rings or something although I recently did a compression test and all the cylinders tested fine. If the rings are worn enough to allow fuel to get by, would it still fire??? It's not missing or anything. So weird...
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rdkuffel · 12-09-2012, 09:05 PM

I bought an oil pressure tester and connected it to the same small hydraulic line that the stock fuel pressure gauge is connected to. The oil pressure was right at 50 psi at idle. When I held the revs up the pressure only went up to about 53 psi. Very strange. Does anyone know if there is a better place to connect the tester or will this be accurate? I'm hoping it is not accurate, but my gut tells me it is...

I noticed today that my pcv valve had condensation on it and i'm wondering if maybe the valve had frozen closed the day I had oil spray everywhere. That would be weird though, because I don't think it was freezing out.

I'm about to just order a crate engine for Christmas!

Oh wait, I'm broke as a joke.

6772owner · 12-03-2012, 02:40 PM

I wonder if the fuel pump diaphragm failed and allowed gas to get in the oil? I have heard this happens occasionally, have you checked the oil level to see if is high and/or what the oil looks like? If you did get fuel in the oil I wouldnt run it without an oil change, the bearings will not last long with gasoline saturated oil...

nate_g_2003 · 12-03-2012, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 6772owner

I wonder if the fuel pump diaphragm failed and allowed gas to get in the oil? I have heard this happens occasionally, have you checked the oil level to see if is high and/or what the oil looks like? If you did get fuel in the oil I wouldnt run it without an oil change, the bearings will not last long with gasoline saturated oil...

This is a good point. My dad (72 years old) mentioned this to me recently. It's something to check, just to be on the safe side.

6772owner · 12-03-2012, 02:48 PM

I guess my only flaw with this is that oil shouldnt really be leaking out from this type of failure... but I wonder if its really two problems or one caused the other? I would check the oil level/condition, degrease the engine and surrounding area's well and then see if you can pinpoint the leak source... I also missed the post where it sounds like you have already replaced the fuel pump, did that fix the problem(s)?

heathbirkendahl · 12-09-2012, 11:05 PM

I'm having this same issue! Next step fuel pump and oil change for me!!

Thank you for the post! Just saved my tail!! Or, should I say motor.
Posted via Mobile Device

rdkuffel · 01-02-2013, 02:32 AM

Update: I did a leakdown test over the holidays and I found all cylinders tested around 20%. I think that should be okay. I replaced the pcv, the fuel pump. It runs great until I shut it down and restart, then it wants to lope...so Im thinking I need to check the fuel pressure now. Glad this post may have helped.

rdkuffel · 01-02-2013, 02:35 AM

I just thought of something...I installed a new electronic choke and I wonder if I have it set to rich. Worth a check I guess.

12-03-2012, 02:04 AM	#1
rdkuffel Registered User Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Spokane, Wa Posts: 20	Oil Spray - Help Please 1971 Chevy K10 with SBC 350. Sorry for the longish post, but I wanted to write all the symptoms. Yesterday, I started my truck after it had been sitting for 2 weeks. It ran very rough and wouldn't idle. I drove it anyway thinking it needed to warm up since it had been running great and smooth. Anyway, it left an oil slick on the road and oil had sprayed from the front of the engine and seemed to be more concentrated near the fuel pump. It looked like it could have come out from below the heads or possibly at the oil pan (which has a new gasket). It is hard to tell because it was blown around from the fan. It actually smelled of gas too. When I first started it, the oil pressure gauge did jump to high and then settled back a bit. I think it has been running high for a while, but figured it was the gauge. I let it sit for a couple of hours and then started it. It ran perfect again with no oil leaks or spray and this time the oil pressure gauge had normal readings which makes me think I had very high oil pressure. The dipstick read just slightly above full (1/16") which concerned me a bit. I took off the old fuel pump which tested fine but I installed a new fuel pump anyway and again, it ran great. The PCV valve was working fine and the breather was new too. Any ideas as to what may be going on??? Thanks!

12-03-2012, 06:40 AM	#2
bk2life Account Suspended Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: phx, az Posts: 868	Re: Oil Spray - Help Please no pics? is it still doing it?

12-03-2012, 07:29 AM	#3
bobs409 1969 Custom 30 wrecker Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Pottsville, Pa Posts: 2,611	Re: Oil Spray - Help Please Any chance you took out a bolt in the block near the fuel pump? There is a threaded hole in that location that goes into the oil passage for the pump. If that bolt is removed, oil will leak out there. __________________ Bob 63 Impala 283/PG/3.36 (under restoration) 66 Impala 327/PG/3.36 66 Chevelle SS 409/M22/3.55 69 Chevelle 307/PG/3.08 (future restoration) 69 C10 short stepside 454/TH350/3.73 69 Custom 30 tow truck 350/4 spd/4.10 (resto done, CRUISIN TIME!) 71 Cheyenne 20 fleetside 350/4 spd/4.10 71 Chevelle 6/PG/3.08 72 Chevelle 454/M21/4.10

12-03-2012, 07:45 AM	#4
jaros44sr Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: Philadelphia, Pa. 19454 Posts: 9,458	Re: Oil Spray - Help Please Does the oil smell like gas? __________________ Semper Fi...Uncle Sam, you da man All parts offered to help are free, unless otherwise noted Dont try this stuff in my build thread, unless you have 55 years of mechanical OTJ training SAFETY FIRST AS usual, off topic They say your mind goes second, can't remember the first Jim

12-03-2012, 11:17 AM	#5
rdkuffel Registered User Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Spokane, Wa Posts: 20	Re: Oil Spray - Help Please Hi, thanks for the help. It is not spraying oil any more. The bolt to help hold the rod for the fuel pump is in place. I would say yes, the oil does smell like gas and it appears thin to me...no antifreeze though. I can post pics tonight. Thanks again. Posted via Mobile Device

12-03-2012, 02:02 PM	#6
jaros44sr Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: Philadelphia, Pa. 19454 Posts: 9,458	Re: Oil Spray - Help Please Time to change the oil and filter __________________ Semper Fi...Uncle Sam, you da man All parts offered to help are free, unless otherwise noted Dont try this stuff in my build thread, unless you have 55 years of mechanical OTJ training SAFETY FIRST AS usual, off topic They say your mind goes second, can't remember the first Jim

12-03-2012, 02:33 PM	#7
rdkuffel Registered User Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Spokane, Wa Posts: 20	Re: Oil Spray - Help Please jaros44sr, Yes, absolutely. Do you think the problem was the fuel pump? When I had the problem, the fuel filter was full and I noticed with the new fuel pump, the filter was not full, just a steady flow. I'm wondering if I should change out my oil pump, but I don't really want to if its not necessary.

12-03-2012, 05:16 PM	#9
rdkuffel Registered User Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Spokane, Wa Posts: 20	Re: Oil Spray - Help Please Thanks again everyone; I'll keep a close eye on it and let you all know if anything changes or something else happens.

12-06-2012, 01:10 AM	#10
rdkuffel Registered User Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Spokane, Wa Posts: 20	Re: Oil Spray - Help Please Well, I put a new fuel pump in and changed the oil. The oil definitely had gas in it. I also took apart the old fuel pump to see if there was any problem with it. It looked fine and the diaphragm had no tears or punctures. I started it and it ran great, but again, it is showing high oil pressure. Soooooo, I guess I'm gonna start doing some diagnostics....starting with a leak down test. I wonder if it has bad rings or something although I recently did a compression test and all the cylinders tested fine. If the rings are worn enough to allow fuel to get by, would it still fire??? It's not missing or anything. So weird... Posted via Mobile Device

12-09-2012, 09:05 PM	#11
rdkuffel Registered User Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Spokane, Wa Posts: 20	Re: Oil Spray - Help Please I bought an oil pressure tester and connected it to the same small hydraulic line that the stock fuel pressure gauge is connected to. The oil pressure was right at 50 psi at idle. When I held the revs up the pressure only went up to about 53 psi. Very strange. Does anyone know if there is a better place to connect the tester or will this be accurate? I'm hoping it is not accurate, but my gut tells me it is... I noticed today that my pcv valve had condensation on it and i'm wondering if maybe the valve had frozen closed the day I had oil spray everywhere. That would be weird though, because I don't think it was freezing out. I'm about to just order a crate engine for Christmas! Oh wait, I'm broke as a joke.

12-03-2012, 02:40 PM	#12
6772owner Gearhead Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Colorado Posts: 1,193	Re: Oil Spray - Help Please I wonder if the fuel pump diaphragm failed and allowed gas to get in the oil? I have heard this happens occasionally, have you checked the oil level to see if is high and/or what the oil looks like? If you did get fuel in the oil I wouldnt run it without an oil change, the bearings will not last long with gasoline saturated oil... __________________ 2002 Saturn SL2, My D/D 2019 Ford Fusion SE, Ecoboost - Wife's D/D 1993 Camaro Z28, A4, CAI, Cat-Back Exhaust Project C10 (my 72' C10 w/96' LT1, 700R4, bagged F&R, 18's (for now), Short/Fleet) -- SOLD! Build Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=313644

12-03-2012, 02:48 PM	#14
6772owner Gearhead Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Colorado Posts: 1,193	Re: Oil Spray - Help Please I guess my only flaw with this is that oil shouldnt really be leaking out from this type of failure... but I wonder if its really two problems or one caused the other? I would check the oil level/condition, degrease the engine and surrounding area's well and then see if you can pinpoint the leak source... I also missed the post where it sounds like you have already replaced the fuel pump, did that fix the problem(s)? __________________ 2002 Saturn SL2, My D/D 2019 Ford Fusion SE, Ecoboost - Wife's D/D 1993 Camaro Z28, A4, CAI, Cat-Back Exhaust Project C10 (my 72' C10 w/96' LT1, 700R4, bagged F&R, 18's (for now), Short/Fleet) -- SOLD! Build Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=313644

12-09-2012, 11:05 PM	#15
heathbirkendahl Registered User Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Campbell, CA Posts: 452	Re: Oil Spray - Help Please I'm having this same issue! Next step fuel pump and oil change for me!! Thank you for the post! Just saved my tail!! Or, should I say motor. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 1971 C/10 - Orange & White 2009 GMC 1500 - Lowered 3/4 22' KMC Slides

01-02-2013, 02:32 AM	#16
rdkuffel Registered User Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Spokane, Wa Posts: 20	Re: Oil Spray - Help Please Update: I did a leakdown test over the holidays and I found all cylinders tested around 20%. I think that should be okay. I replaced the pcv, the fuel pump. It runs great until I shut it down and restart, then it wants to lope...so Im thinking I need to check the fuel pressure now. Glad this post may have helped.

01-02-2013, 02:35 AM	#17
rdkuffel Registered User Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Spokane, Wa Posts: 20	Re: Oil Spray - Help Please I just thought of something...I installed a new electronic choke and I wonder if I have it set to rich. Worth a check I guess.



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