Problem with a SIMPLE oil leak!

[67topless]

Hey everyone,

I am having problems with the oil sending unit extension rod leaking out of my 289 block. I had to replace my oil sending unit... and for whatever dumb reason I took the rod off as well and it is now kicking my butt.

I've been using Permatex high temp thread sealer and have been doing the following:

• I cleaned off the threads, inlcuding spraying with WD40 then wiping them off and hitting it with some air from my compressor. I then put on a bead of the Permatex that went a complete circumfrence of a single thread. I then let the Permatex cure over night (about 12 hours). When I cranked the engine up, it was leaking within five minutes.

• I then followed the above steps again, but this time I let the Permatex cure for almost 48 hours (directions say 24 hours). This seemed to do the trick... I let the engine idle for about 10 minutes and then went for about a 5 mile drive with no issues. Later that afternoon, I went for a drive of about 15 miles hitting highway speeds... when I got home she was leaking again.

This is a steady leak that drips like a faucet... so it is more than a nuiscence, it makes the car un-drivable.

Any ideas? It was recommended in another post that I use Loctite thread sealer (I think it was #567), but I have not been able to find it around town. Do you think the Loctite would do the trick, or am I missing something?

Scott

 

[Az Pete]

First, is it possible that the extension is cracked? If not, I would try some of the thread tape from any hardware store. That is the white, plastic like stuff used on the threads of water, gas, and other fittings aroound the house. I use it all the time with great results. You can wrap the pipe woth it in layers to "thicken" the pipe for a tight fit. I would not even bother with locktite. If it still leaks, buy another piece of pipe to install.

 

[Spoofty]

I've only ever used the tape and I've never had any problems.

 

[67topless]

Are you talking about the teflon tape plumbers use? I will be honest... that is what I had used before, but thought it would be better to use a true thread sealer. Now look where it's gotten me...

lol

 

[Spoofty]

Are you talking about the teflon tape plumbers use? I will be honest... that is what I had used before, but thought it would be better to use a true thread sealer. Now look where it's gotten me...

lol

Yes .

 

[GoinBroke]

If that does not work try another extension rod. Either go to a junk yard or you can make one from brass parts at your local parts store for cheap to see if the tube is the problem.

 

[tos]

I'm thinking your tube is cracked, Check it long ways for a crack But then check for a crack between the threads or where the thread ends. Maybe when you have the tube off see if you can presurize it with air and see what happens. With what you've done so far I wouldnt think it would leak like a faucet unless it were cracked. One other thing I would use carb cleaner rather than WD40. When using a sealer you want the area clean and free of oil or you wont get a good seal. The WD40 will leave an oily film that wont allow the sealer to bond.

P.S. Teflon tape is the best IMO

 

[66HertzClone]

It does sound like the extension is cracked. Permatex sells a Teflon liquid thread sealant in a small tube, it works very well.

I have used baby powder to track down oil leaks, clean the extension and the surrounding area off with brakeclean and dry completely. Puff the baby powder around the suspect area. Once started the oil leak will be clearly visible.

 

[mustangman1974]

use the plumbers tape. that liquid crap don't work. Its done nothing but leak for me.