Oil Leak

[Ryanz]

Hey guys,

So I've had my original 350 engine rebuilt by a very reputable shop in town. They had trouble with high oil pressure blowing out main seal so they redid it again, with a lower pressure pump, etc.

It has another leak but doesn't appear to be coming from the main seal this time, It's dry at the pan, sending unit, the tappet covers - all dry. I can run my hand all along the tappets and back of the top of the engine and its dry! I can see that it appears to be a bit damp somewhere along the back of the engine - perhaps seeping out of a frost plug or something there? Has anyone came across anything like this? The engine is running great, not burning ANY oil (like it was before even with the first rebuild), but this leak is annoying. I've taken the drip pan off so that I could get a better look. It always makes it's way down onto the bottom of the starter. I even changed the starter thinking it was full of oil and spraying all over causing the leak - but wasn't the case.

Looking forward to your feedback.

[geezer#99]

Check the two bolt holes on the front of the block by the fuel pump. One hole is open into the fuel pump rod cavity.
Common leak point. Oil can run along the pan rail and drip off the starter. You need short bolts in them.
Info here.

https://www.chevytalk.org/fusionbb/s...php?tid/300182

[Blazerowner]

Good luck. I spent 100s on steel core rubber gaskets for a 383 I built for my Chevelle 6 years ago. Damn thing still had small oil leaks I finally stopped chasing after torquing to spec, etc. These old engine just leak sometimes. Mine were very light so I just let it happen and put down a pan.

[truckster]

I'd check the wall at the back of the intake. It's also a common place for leaks.