engine oil leak

[busteed]

Just fired up my 360 a month or so ago.  Very happy except for a oil leak.  Driving me crazzzy!  Oil leaks down the torque converter inspection plate across the bottom of my tranny pan.  I am having a hard time trying to find out where it is coming from.  I know it is not anything from the top...checked dist. valve covers, oil pressure gauge, and zippo nothing.  What is the chances of it being the rear main on a rebuild?  The builder is very respectable.  He has been doing this for 35 years and has a good name. 

[Back N Black]

Sounds like the rear main seal to me??

[busteed]

Just curious...?  Should there be any responsibility to the builder on this?  Or is this going to be all on me if it is the rear main?  What should a respectable builder do in this situation???  I probably only have 60 miles on the engine. 

Thanks

[Dino]

Just curious...?  Should there be any responsibility to the builder on this?  Or is this going to be all on me if it is the rear main?  What should a respectable builder do in this situation???  I probably only have 60 miles on the engine. 

Thanks

A respectable builder would fix the leak if it is because of his doing or lack thereof.

[Plumcrazy]

I would say you've narrowed it down to either the rear main seal or the oil pan gasket.
Try removing the torque converter cover and clean off the oil.
Then run the engine, you may be able to see where the leak is coming from.

But actually I think it's the engine builders responsibility to do that.

[bobs66440]

But actually I think it's the engine builders responsibility to do that.

Absolutely...

[Chryco Psycho]

what about the oil pressure sender at the back of the block ?

[Charger RT]

are there any plugs on the back of the block that seals an oil passage on a small block?
Tim

[busteed]

Nothing at sending unit.  It is kind of a tough situation.  Lets say it is a oil pan issuse and not the rear main.  Looking at it I will still have to lift engine up, the crossmember seems to be in the way to just "drop the pan" on a 74 charger... The leak is not that HUGE of a deal.  I understand it will get worse over time.  It probably drips 5-6 times after I shut it off.  Leaving a 1" or so spot on the floor/cardboard.  It is just the idea of having something new and having a leak doesn't sit well with me. 

[Chryco Psycho]

If you disconnect the center steering link on one side & swing it out of the way the pan should be removable without lifting the engine , at least it is up to 72

[bobs66440]

I understand it will get worse over time.  It probably drips 5-6 times after I shut it off.  Leaving a 1" or so spot on the floor/cardboard.  It is just the idea of having something new and having a leak doesn't sit well with me.  

If you're not happy now, you REALLY won't be happy in a year or two when the oil spot is 3" and the warranty on the engine is expired. I would just have the engine shop fix it now and be done with it. I really hate oil leaks, so I would. But that's just me.  

I'm in a similar situation, only it's the trans. I rebuilt my engine and had a tranny shop rebuild the trans. It was dry for a while, then started leaving spots on the floor under the rear of the bell housing. It drove me crazy thinking I screwed up the rear seal when I installed it. But I kept looking and it really wasn't that wet around the seal. Turns out the trans is leaking from the front bearing retainer. You can bet I'm taking it back to him 

[74bluecharger440]

I had a leak on my 74 couldn't figure it out for the longest time..Found out it was the dipstick  hiding behind the engine mounts and headers.When i drove it would spray oil back and everything was covered, until  I idled and a pool would form under it.The bottom of the dipstick rotted out  what a crap job that was to fix.

[70 Charger RT]

Are you sure it is the engine?  What color is the oil?