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Old 02-26-2015, 02:44 PM   #1
louieglen
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Default Oil leak

I have a 1931 tudor. the engine runs very well no noise or smoke. My problem is leaking oil out of the back main. It doesn't leak while running, but when you shut it off it will drip a couple tablespoons of oil. Two quesions. One why doesn't it leak while running, and two is there an easy fix?
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Old 02-26-2015, 03:37 PM   #2
Mike V. Florida
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Default Re: Oil leak

That is 100% normal. You do not have a problem.
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Old 02-26-2015, 03:48 PM   #3
Big hammer
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Default Re: Oil leak

Your car is marking its spot like most cars :-)
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Old 02-26-2015, 05:08 PM   #4
Synchro909
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Default Re: Oil leak

Like Mike and BIghammer say, don't worry about this - you don't have a problem These cars are like dogs - they mark their territory!
As for why doesn't it leak while running, that is when the oil escapes. While the engine is running, the oil is prevented from dropping out of the bell housing by the spinning flywheel which keep throwing it around inside the housing. Once it stops, the oil drains out
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Old 02-26-2015, 05:53 PM   #5
Kohnke Rebabbitting
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Default Re: Oil leak

Your clearance is a little large, shaft and or maybe end play. Shims, and bolts not cemented in. A brand new rebuild will leak two spoons full, with out moving the crank, if you first dump a gallon of oil down the distributor hole, the oil will back up and run over the rear cap.

The more play in the shaft, it can't hold back the oil in the pipe as tightly.

Herm.
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Old 02-26-2015, 07:59 PM   #6
Gerald D. Walker
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Default Re: Oil leak

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If the few drops of oil really bother you, buy a REAR MAIN JANITOR from Snyder's, Page A-127, item #A-6768. Put a couple of folded paper towels in the bottom and change every few weeks. They work great!!
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Old 02-26-2015, 08:33 PM   #7
glenn in camino
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Default Re: Oil leak

Quote:
Originally Posted by Gerald D. Walker View Post
If the few drops of oil really bother you, buy a REAR MAIN JANITOR from Snyder's, Page A-127, item #A-6768. Put a couple of folded paper towels in the bottom and change every few weeks. They work great!!
Yes, that's your fix. I use one on one of my Model As, an it works good.
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Old 02-26-2015, 08:52 PM   #8
1929
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Default Re: Oil leak

I was shown a small type of a pan that connects or bolts. to that part of the motor that catches the oil, I forgot what the piece or part is called. I know they sell it.
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Old 02-26-2015, 09:04 PM   #9
1929
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Default Re: Oil leak

Remembered, its called a rear main janitor
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Old 02-26-2015, 09:09 PM   #10
Mitch//pa
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Default Re: Oil leak

my engines dont leak
i hope nothings wrong
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Old 02-26-2015, 09:21 PM   #11
machineman64
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Default Re: Oil leak

like Mitch my engine doesn't leak a drop, I wonder what i did wrong when i had the pan off and replaced all the seals and gaskets?

John
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Old 02-26-2015, 09:31 PM   #12
Mitch//pa
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Default Re: Oil leak

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Originally Posted by machineman64 View Post
like Mitch my engine doesn't leak a drop, I wonder what i did wrong when i had the pan off and replaced all the seals and gaskets?

John
John maybe were due for a rebuild
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Old 02-26-2015, 09:34 PM   #13
Kurt in NJ
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Default Re: Oil leak

Mitch I was thinking the same thing --most times when driving the A I end up at my brothers, his driveway has a pretty good incline -(for south jersey), and I always park the most likely way to make the rear main leak ----not a drop, although occasionally when sitting for weeks a few drops come out.

I read the owners instruction book---it says the oil level should be no more than up to the F -----I know that when the level is to the top of the "F" it will leak a little out the rear after a fast drive ---but if I keep in below the "F" by about another F there is normally not even 1 drop when parked for 1 hour ----this is with a stock to original spec rear main and "seal" system ----2 shims each side,hylomar on the shims, clearance of the slinger to the cap and and seal equal
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Old 02-26-2015, 10:03 PM   #14
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Default Re: Oil leak

Quote:
Originally Posted by Gerald D. Walker View Post
If the few drops of oil really bother you, buy a REAR MAIN JANITOR from Snyder's, Page A-127, item #A-6768. Put a couple of folded paper towels in the bottom and change every few weeks. They work great!!
I use a feminine napkin in mine... change it once a month.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mitch//pa View Post
my engines dont leak
i hope nothings wrong
Have you checked your oil level recently.
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Old 02-27-2015, 06:27 AM   #15
Mitch//pa
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Default Re: Oil leak

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Originally Posted by Y-Blockhead View Post
I
Have you checked your oil level recently.
the oil is always at the full mark and it has normal oil pressure
now i'm more worried, i hope it starts leaking soon

i am open to all suggestions, now i am thinking to make more blow-by or add shims

Last edited by Mitch//pa; 02-27-2015 at 06:47 AM.
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Old 02-27-2015, 08:43 AM   #16
Tom Wesenberg
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Default Re: Oil leak

Mitch, you need to ride the clutch, so you can increase the end play.
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Old 02-27-2015, 09:00 AM   #17
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Default Re: Oil leak

Quote:
Originally Posted by 1929 View Post
Remembered, its called a rear main janitor
"Depends" for the model A. I love it!
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Old 02-27-2015, 06:56 PM   #18
BILL WILLIAMSON
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Default Re: Oil leak

On long, higher speed runs, most Model A's throw a little oil out the filler pipe. It runs down the side of the block, disappears behind the starter, & drips off the flywheel housing, making you believe it's a rear engine leak. Some put an old sock over the filler pipe, to prevent this. Running 1/2 Qt low helps this also.
Bill W.
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Old 02-27-2015, 07:16 PM   #19
CarlG
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Default Re: Oil leak

Quote:
Originally Posted by Gerald D. Walker View Post
If the few drops of oil really bother you, buy a REAR MAIN JANITOR from Snyder's, Page A-127, item #A-6768. Put a couple of folded paper towels in the bottom and change every few weeks. They work great!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Y-Blockhead View Post
I use a feminine napkin in mine... change it once a month.
I cut some of these to the shape of the "janitor" and replace them "occasionally"
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Old 02-27-2015, 09:15 PM   #20
CWilson
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Default Re: Oil leak

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mitch//pa View Post
the oil is always at the full mark and it has normal oil pressure
now i'm more worried, i hope it starts leaking soon

i am open to all suggestions, now i am thinking to make more blow-by or add shims
Probably be better to just get rid of it. I'll take it off your hands so you don't have to worry about it.
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