Oil Oil everywhere

[Andy Miller]

I have a pair of repro aluminum valve covers with fel-pro gaskets on my 61 283 vette. I have a pooling of oil between the oil fill tube and carb. The covers do not appear to be leaking. Where is this oil coming from?

[John M.]

Re: Oil Oil everywhere

Andy, It's coming from the intake manifold bolts. Remove the bolts, one at a time, apply sealer to the threads and re-torque. Been there.

[Bill Baird]

Re: Oil Oil everywhere

I too have had this problem, and for years attacked it by putting sealer on the intake manifold bolt threads. I had mixed success with this method. I've had much more success by removing the intake bolt in question, cleaning it, chasing the thread on the bolt with a die from a tap and die set, and re-installing the bolt. I haven't had that fail yet.


Bill Baird

[Andy Miller]

Re: Oil Oil everywhere

What would be the torque setting? Thanks

[Bill Baird]

Re: Oil Oil everywhere

I'll have to look up the exact figure this evening after I get home. I believe that it should be 25-30 ft-lbs. This can vary, depending on whether or not you have an iron intake manifold or an aluminum one.


Bill Baird

[Rob Brainard]

Re: Oil Oil everywhere

Bill, one other area not mentioned is the bolt holes for a coil. One of the holes [don't remember which one] goes directly into the lifter valley. As you drive oil will come out of that hole. This happened to me with my 57 with dual quads. I don't know if this is true with a cast iron manifold, but take a look. Obviously, I know this is not where your coil or mine is held, but it is on passenger cars.

[John H.]

Re: Oil Oil everywhere

Bill -


Been there too - I clean the bolts thoroughly, apply ARP Thread Sealer, and torque to 25-30 ft-lbs. Result? Dry city - no leaks. I also use very thin stainless flat washers under the bolt heads to keep from chewing up the aluminum manifold (CC sells the special washers - O.D. is slightly smaller than the bolt head so you can hardly see them).


John - '57 270

[Bill Baird]

Re: Oil Oil everywhere

Yes, those little washers are a great idea if you have an aluminum intake manifold.


Bill Baird

[Bill Baird]

Re: Oil Oil everywhere

Okay, I checked my manuals, and they said to torque the intake manifold bolts to 30 lb-ft. I've seen some aftermarket aluminum intake manifolds instruction sheets that recommended 25 lb-ft.


Bill Baird