Fuel Pump Oil Leak?

[HeavyFuel]

Can a fuel pump leak oil, or do I have to keep looking for the source of a class 3 leak making a mess of my K member and garage floor?

[A383Wing]

yes, they can push oil out that little hole on the side....meaning you probably need a new pump

[Kern Dog]

The bolts that secure the fuel pump need a sealant. They thread into the pressurized crankcase. Same goes for intake manifold bolts.

[John_Kunkel]

http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php?topic=84326.0

[HeavyFuel]

http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php?topic=84326.0

Further evaluation of situation.  

A few weeks ago: I added about 3/4 of quart of oil a while back, thought it looked a bit low.   Maybe I overfilled and some spirited driving splashed oil into the fuel pump housing and out the pivot pin hole?  Trying to remember if the leaking started before or after the oil topoff?  

Two days ago, drove car hard (by my standards - really not too hard  ) ....much leaking:  Cleaned the pump area and changed the oil and filter.  5 quarts.  (now there should be no question to proper amount of oil in pan)  Checked my crankcase vent system....all components pass checks and appear to be in perfect working order.

Yesterday: I cleaned the pump and surrounding area very well.  Started the car, let it run.  No leak.  Took it around the block.  No leak.

I'm gonna try what Chryco suggested and put a dab of RTV over the pivot pin hole.  After examining the area, that's the only logical place that volume of oil could be coming from.

If the area stays dry after a decent drive, I'll chock it up to a failed oil seal in the pump or overfilling the oil, or maybe a combination of both.  At any rate, I suppose a new fuel pump is in my future.

[bee1971]

The bolts that secure the fuel pump need a sealant. They thread into the pressurized crankcase. Same goes for intake manifold bolts.

Yep per 

One bolt on my 71 Bee was dripping and all wet , other bolt was completely dry

First time I ever had a fuel pump bolt drip oil , 383/432 Stroker

[HeavyFuel]

The bolts that secure the fuel pump need a sealant. They thread into the pressurized crankcase. Same goes for intake manifold bolts.

Yep per  

One bolt on my 71 Bee was dripping and all wet , other bolt was completely dry

First time I ever had a fuel pump bolt drip oil , 383/432 Stroker

I understand this concept, but am doubtful it applies in my case.

Oil pushing past the threads would produce a mess directly underneath the bolts, no?  I have oil gathering in the crimped area on the pump, where it would be physical very hard for oil to reach from a leaky bolt.  I also have oil running down the fuel supply and return lines.  

Unless there is so much turbulence in that area under the hood at higher speeds to cause the oil to spatter everywhere?  Doesn't seem likely.  The drips and puddles look nicely formed.  It's not like the whole area is blasted with an oil covering.

(I know, I know.....just replace the friggin' pump and seal up the bolt threads, call it good.)           you guys ->     <- me

[375instroke]

How about cleaning everything in that area first?  Try a hose connected to the water heater.  Before starting the engine, make sure everything's dry, run the engine for a minute, and shut it off.  Then look and feel around.

[HeavyFuel]

How about cleaning everything in that area first?  Try a hose connected to the water heater.  Before starting the engine, make sure everything's dry, run the engine for a minute, and shut it off.  Then look and feel around.

Gee....why didn't I think of that?    

Further evaluation of situation.  

A few weeks ago: I added about 3/4 of quart of oil a while back, thought it looked a bit low.   Maybe I overfilled and some spirited driving splashed oil into the fuel pump housing and out the pivot pin hole?  Trying to remember if the leaking started before or after the oil topoff?  

Two days ago, drove car hard (by my standards - really not too hard  ) ....much leaking:  Cleaned the pump area and changed the oil and filter.  5 quarts.  (now there should be no question to proper amount of oil in pan)  Checked my crankcase vent system....all components pass checks and appear to be in perfect working order.

Yesterday: I cleaned the pump and surrounding area very well.  Started the car, let it run.  No leak.  Took it around the block.  No leak.

I'm gonna try what Chryco suggested and put a dab of RTV over the pivot pin hole.  After examining the area, that's the only logical place that volume of oil could be coming from.

If the area stays dry after a decent drive, I'll chock it up to a failed oil seal in the pump or overfilling the oil, or maybe a combination of both.  At any rate, I suppose a new fuel pump is in my future.

[375instroke]

  My bad.  I work with people who won't do this.  They just jump in and start replacing everything that's wet.