I am new to the forum and was hoping someone could help with an oil leak I noticed at the lower front of my 289. I haven't had the car for long but it ran great the few times I had it out. Here is a little history to start:

- Engine overheated while driving, twice. First time was after about 100 miles and the second after about 25 miles. No weird or alarming sounds and no warning from the oil idiot light.

- After towing it home after the 2nd overheat, we decided to give it the once over. Started with removing the valve covers and looking for oil movement up top. Couldn't get the oil to come out through the valves, although there is oil on the components so we know we HAD good pressure.

- Noticed a leak on the front while the engine was running, dripping where seems to be the front cam seal. Drained the oil and noticed a graphite looking substance mixed in, but no shavings.

Question now is what would be the cause of the leak? Also, why no oil up top when running? My thought is a bad seal and bad oil pump??? Any information would be helpful to help determine if this is a big problem or a really big problem I am now dealing with.

 

Those would be my first guesses, you could remove the dist. and prime the engine with the vc off to see if oil is being pushed up to the heads but you won't know how much pressure that is compared to what the oil pump is pushing while running. 'so we know we HAD good pressure' well you know it had SOME pressure you just don't know if it was sufficient pressure. I would attach an aftermarket oil pressure gauge with sender (mech) and see what the reading is, you can get them at any parts store for ~$20-$40.

The front oil leak may be the front crank seal but oil runs everywhere and that is just the lowest point on the front of the engine, the fan is going to blow it around. It could have come from the vc and run down. You need to clean the engine really well then run it and look fresh.

Do you have a water temp gauge or just a light? Another good separate gauge to have.
Jon

 

By "cam seal" are you refering to the front cover or the crankshaft? Can you supply a picture? Also, if you are counting on the original gauges and lights to warn you of impending failure you are in trouble.