Oil leaks and coolant flush

[Dino]

My engine is pretty dirty all over.  Before I replaced the valley pan there was oil and gas sitting on the pan all the time, that seems to be fixed now but I still leave my mark wherever I park.  It's not a lot by any means but the cardboard in my garage has quite a fews mall spots on it now.  What al can I do to stop this thing from leaking?  Which seals need replacing and do I need to use things like ultra copper and rtv as well?

I plan to do this when I fix my leaky header and replace the valve covers and since I need to drain the radiator to remove the header bolts I'd like to flush the whole system.  Honestly I don't know where to start so I'm guessing I should first degrease the engine as best as I can, remove all fluids, remove oil pan and valve covers, install new gaskets and reinstall covers.  I have a few cans of hemi orange so hopefully I can make that old 440 shiny again.

Heck, if I can remove enough I may be able to make the engine bay match the body color again!

Any tips welcome!

[Back N Black]

Check rear main seal at the engine, they always leak on a Mopar big block.

[Dino]

Check rear main seal at the engine, they always leak on a Mopar big block.

I hope that's something I can fix without pulling the engine.

I guess I need to clean the engine and then look for the leaks first before I start ripping into it.  It's early, my bad....

[Plumcrazy]

To do it right, clean the engine and add UV dye to the oil.
Then get yourself a black light.  You'll see the leaks much easier.

[bakerhillpins]

So how might you all suggest one clean the engine? I have heard folks toss around pressure washing but that sounds like one could get into trouble quick..


The florescent dye is a great idea.

[Plumcrazy]

So how might you all suggest one clean the engine? I have heard folks toss around pressure washing but that sounds like one could get into trouble quick..


The florescent dye is a great idea.

I would scrape off any heavy buildup first and use a good engine degreaser.  It also helps a lot if you can use hot water to rinse it off.

[Dino]

Great idea plum!  Thanks!

My concern is not how to clean it but where.  Something tells me I won't survive the wrath of woman when I do this in the driveway.

[Back N Black]

go to your local car wash pop the hood and pressure wash. 

[Mopar Nut]

go to your local car wash pop the hood and pressure wash. 

Bring a couple cans of oven cleaner, works great.

[Paul G]

A word of advice when pressure washing. Cover the distributor very well. It really does not like water in it. Same for the carb. Warm engines, not hot, clean better. Gunk regular engine bright works very well. Gunk Foamy is milder than engine bright. Simple Green on the painted surfaces in the engine compartment, and Bleach White tire cleaner for the raw metal stuff like suspension and steering with some small brushes and scrapers for the thick crud are handy as well.