Oil Leak....fuel pump??

[heathbirkendahl]

I only seem to get leaks when I use the freeway. The longer I drive the more it leaks. (I know duh) Can that still be the fuel pump?

Also, anyone ever have their starter solenoid just break? I'm missing a chunk out of my starter solenoid.

Thank you,
Heath

[Longhorn 70]

it may be a sign of the fuel pump diaphram starting to go. As far as the solenoid, when the cover hold down screws are over tightened they will sometimes get too hot and crack. Once cracked....

[heathbirkendahl]

Thanks Vince! I found a some gas under the truck the last time I started it as well. I but I have not been able to get to leak again. Guess I really do need to change the fuel pump.

In regards to the starter. Should I replace it? Or, is it OK as long as it works?

[70c10stepside]

I've discovered you get better mpg when the gas makes it to the carb! Lol Yeah, probably diaphragm
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[Longhorn 70]

have you changed a fuel pump on it before? If not, don't forget the bolt to hold the pin in place. It saves you frustration.

I had a solenoid that had a cracked rear cover. I didn't replace it because it kept starting. Of course it failed when I was away from home. Sooooo.... a cheap fix could save you frustration. The one I ended up installing was a super duper (i hope) one from Autozone. It was $25 and about 30 minutes to change with washing and sealing and all.....

[heathbirkendahl]

Thanks guys!

Vince the fuel pump was $30 not your starter. LOL

[Longhorn 70]

The solenoid was $25. If you have the original type starter.

The fuel pump for my Olds is about the same if I go to Autozone.

Best of luck and Merry Christmas....early present to yourself?

[heathbirkendahl]

Originally Posted by Longhorn 70

The solenoid was $25. If you have the original type starter.

The fuel pump for my Olds is about the same if I go to Autozone.

Best of luck and Merry Christmas....early present to yourself?

I have not changed it before. BUT I have been warned by nice guys like you. And unfortunately my block's top bolt does not go all the way through. I saw a guy take a hacksaw blade and bend it and use that to hold the rod in place.

Merry Christmas to you as well!!!

[rsavage]

You can use wheel bearing grease on the fuel pump push rod (on a cold engine) and it will hold the rod up quite well until you get the pump arm under it. You said it (the engine) leaks -where is it leaking from? What makes you think it is the fuel pump? If you don't have a proper crankcase vent system or a bad pcv you could be creating enough pressure on extended runs to force the oil out of valve cover gaskets for example. Does your oil have a gas smell to it? Sounds like you need to do more diagnosis before you start throwing parts on it.

[heathbirkendahl]

I'm getting oil spray from the lower passenger side of the motor. It's leaving a spray on the front of the motor and valve cover. Plus it leaked some gas when I fired it up after sitting for a week. I've looked everywhere and that is the only answer I can come up with. I a new PCV valve on today. The old one has oil in it. Felt clogged but still rattled around inside.
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[Lee H]

Check the front boss, just in front of the fuel pump, there should be a short bolt in the top hole. The bottom hole is blind but the top hole goes into the fuel pump cavity. At speed the oil seeps out and gets slung all over. If you block does not have a short (less than 1" long, if any longer it will hit the fuel pump rod) bolt in that hole that's your problem. Spray the area clean with some break clean and use a little sealer on the threads.
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[GASoline71]

If you have already put a short bolt in the "mystery hole", then you could either have a wicked front seal leak around the harmonic balancer, or the fuel pump seal could be shot as well.

I have changed many a SBC and BBC fuel pump and never had to hold it up with a bolt, or smear grease on it. Don't have to fight it either. They are great tricks, but not necessary.

Gary

[heathbirkendahl]

Originally Posted by Lee H

Check the front boss, just in front of the fuel pump, there should be a short bolt in the top hole. The bottom hole is blind but the top hole goes into the fuel pump cavity. At speed the oil seeps out and gets slung all over. If you block does not have a short (less than 1" long, if any longer it will hit the fuel pump rod) bolt in that hole that's your problem. Spray the area clean with some break clean and use a little sealer on the threads.
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Thanks Lee!!

[heathbirkendahl]

Originally Posted by GASoline71

If you have already put a short bolt in the "mystery hole", then you could either have a wicked front seal leak around the harmonic balancer, or the fuel pump seal could be shot as well.

I have changed many a SBC and BBC fuel pump and never had to hold it up with a bolt, or smear grease on it. Don't have to fight it either. They are great tricks, but not necessary.

Gary

Gary,

So I looked this weekend and my top hole does not go through to the push rod. Its blocked just like the bottom one.

SOOO....it has to be the fuel pump right?