Help! Oil Leak..

[xfsketch]

I have the same problem Hot Rod 73! Ive been keeping an eye on this post as I have wondered whether or not the engine will have to be lifted to get the oil pan off. (350 4 bolt main here) My truck leaks from the flywheel cover when it is running only and smells of burning oil from it hitting the exhaust as well. Same as you my motor has low miles and runs excellent and starts cold like a new vehicle. My oil pressure is high when driving for the first 1/2 hour or so and then it drops to half way. Sometimes at idle and slow speeds it is under half. Im not a mechanic but I think my RMS is bad too. I sure hope the oil pan will come off without lifting the motor! Does anyone know if my oil pressure should fluxuate like I mentioned or should it be at half way normally? I plan on getting the #s off my engine so I can post a Q whether or not its one or two piece rear main seal. I feel for ya Hot Rod 73 keep us updated on your progress. CYA

[RunTMCfan]

Depending on your climate I would think colder oil would temporarily create higher oil pressure. Once it's warm it might be easier to push around the motor. Being that I'm in San Diego I have always had consistant oil pressure.

[motopatzo]

It really sounds like the rear main oil seal to me as well. Is your engine original to your truck? I am asking because if you have a 86 or later engine, then you have a 1 piece seal. If you did, all you would have to do is pull the tranny and flywheel and the seal is right there. If not, try and pull the pan if you have clearance. Sometimes lifting the engine up a bit will give you clearance. Before you do all this, I would remove the torque converter cover, and verify that the oil leak is coming from the rear main seal. Other places it can leak are valve covers, oil pressure sender, intake manifold, back of the heads, distributor or right at oil pan.