Continuing oil leak around 440 filter.

[oldchevelle541]

Greetings, I have a '69 440 engine (block 2536430) and over a period time I noticed what appeared to be an small oil leak at the filter. Well it was time to change the oil again and during the maintenance I cleaned up all surface areas around the filter thinking my maintenance would solve the problem. New oil and K+N filter was in, started up the car and after a minute oil was dripping again. I was able to get a small mirror and flashlight behind the filter and it now appears that the oil is coming from the oil filter housing area behind the filter buts its tough to pinpoint exact location because with filter in place area is tight to say the least. It does appear that are a few bolts in the general area. I am wondering if oil leaks in this general area are a common problem and if this housing has some sort of gasket connecting it to the block. Would the gaskets, cracked housing or the housing bolts be the source of the problem that would cause the leak ? If it has to come off and be resealed what is the procedure for doing the same. Not sure how simple or complicated this would be.

Thanks in advance for your help.

[green69rt]

Yes there are gaskets to mount the oil pump to the outside of the block.   Here is a pic of my old 383 but I think it is the same.    I think the oil pump bolts are a SOB to get at so maybe just get a wrench on them and try to tighten them up.     Specs are in the FSM (35 ft/lbs).   If you're going to be working on this old car very much you should get a Service manual.

[oldchevelle541]

Thanks, I have been reading some things and it appears that most believe its best to buy a new pump. There are several gaskets and O-rings in these things and who knows what's worn out. The other things I am questioning also is this. Engine was rebuilt many years ago by others and oil pan takes 6 qts when replacing filter but if pump was originally on engine that took a total of 5 qts would the extra quart could have caused pressure to blow out gasket. I don't think so as the pump simply moves volume but I don't believe its a high volume pump.

The question maybe you can help me with is this.  If I unbolt the pump from the block will the intermediate shaft that goes up to the distributor drop out or will it stay up in there?

[rt green]

not a tough job to do at all. even when dealing with the rod. get a new pump. not worth the hassle messing with the old one. getting the rod back up there if it comes out isn't to bad. even if you have to pull the dizzy.  six qts of oil wont cause that leak.      bruce

[green69rt]

you can use grease on the drive shaft to hold it in place while you remount the pump.  The grease will wash away so not a problem,  (just a little hint.)

[oldchevelle541]

Thanks All,
I spoke to Mulling today and they said shaft should not come out as its mounted from the top. They only sell high volume pumps which extend out an additional 5/16" . Went to cruise night tonight and most guys with the 440's have no experience changing their pumps. Will do a little more research to make sure I know exactly what to expect.

Thanks for the input.

[green69rt]

Maybe try tightening the bolts first!  It may take some contortions but better than pulling the whole thing!  And now that I think about it the oil pump drive shaft is mounted from the top, it connects to the dist drive so yeah, it should not fall out.

[moparsr2fast]

 If you try to put a hi volume oil pump on with the engine still in the car, you will need to pull the motor mount bolt on the drivers side, and raise the engine slightly to be able to clear the K frame. Other then that, it is a very simple job. 

[ACUDANUT]

My NEW BB mopar oil pump had a crack in the housing. It was not from the oil filter.

[oldchevelle541]

just posted issue under Aero Cars. I removed filter this evening in hopes of opening the area up so I can get wrenches in there. It is very tight unlike some of the other mopars where it is more out in the open. It is the 2203260 unit so who knows how old it is. It has a K3 stamping on it. It could be a cracked housing but I was also wondering if it could be leaking from the square bolt plugging the relief valve portal. Its very frustrating as its all there in front of you but you just cant reach it or get a good look at. Tough to tell exactly where its leaking especially with keeping the oil really clean. I am going to buy a new pump just to have one on hand.....

[rt green]

put the new one in so you don't have to do it twice.