The most common but most unrecognized oil leak

[Ccmano]

Originally Posted by dcarroll95

Thank you! Now I see it just in front of the oil pan front bolts. What a nightmare, but I was able to tighten them and they were each about 1/2 turn loose and leaking plenty right there. Lifted the engine as much as it would go and pulled the passenger side engine strut loose as suggested to get to it from the bottom. Didn't drip overnight but would have eventually so you saved me lots of time!

Thank you - great write up and pictures.

Yes, welcome! You will find that Cliff is usually (well ok, always) right. His “Solutions” stickies at the top of the the tech section have a wealth of invaluable information. They and a copy of the FSM will get you through 99% of the issues encountered. Good to have you aboard. We hope that you will find the forum informative enough to join us as a full member. Check out the registry site (if you haven’t already done so) for more information.
http://www.zr1netregistry.com

H

[Weeberone]

deleted

[Pete]

I found to be the easy from on top.
Remove Oil filter housing, remove right side motor mount nut, lift motor.
Plenty of room

Pete

[Dynomite]

Originally Posted by Pete

I found to be the easy from on top.
Remove Oil filter housing, remove right side motor mount nut, lift motor.
Plenty of room

Pete

Maybe...….unless you have EGR on later Zs.
I do not like to remove oil filter housing (another oil mess) and having to replace that gasket also. Unless Oil Filter housing is leaking



From the bottom...….
Two 6mm x 16mm Flange Bolts installed in Oil Pressure Regulator Valve Cover (10mm Heads)
replacing original 6mm x 16mm (8mm Heads) Bolts.
Top 6mm Bolt shown before tightening with 10mm Box Wrench



Post 249 - Oil Pressure Regulating Valve Cover Plate

See Also...……. Potential Oil Leaks and the OPRV Cover Plate

[billschroeder5842]

Hey all, I think I too have this issue. I noticed that I have a bunch of oil gathering under the passenger side of the engine and is slowly seeping.

I've read this post a couple of times, but am left pretty confused as there seems to be a couple of ways to fix this. I appreciate all the different and creative way that we all tackled this one.

Is there a consensus on the best, easiest most effective way ?

[TX '90 ZR1]

Originally Posted by billschroeder5842

Hey all, I think I too have this issue. I noticed that I have a bunch of oil gathering under the passenger side of the engine and is slowly seeping.

I've read this post a couple of times, but am left pretty confused as there seems to be a couple of ways to fix this. I appreciate all the different and creative way that we all tackled this one.

Is there a consensus on the best, easiest most effective way ?

Bill,
As far as I can tell there is no easy way to get these tightened up. It was the most challenging leak I had on my '90, but am proud to say it is bone dry now. (Fingers crossed!!).
I could never bend the correct way to get on the bolts from the top. Finally got the car up and removed the frame braces so I could see the area where the cover was. Took the longest ratcheting box end wrench I had, hooked another box end to it and tightened the bolts. The bottom one was quite loose. The top not so much.
I did not attempt to change the bolts as my body does not contort as it used to. Just tightening mine made it dry and it has remained that way for nearly a year.
Good Luck!!

[billschroeder5842]

Thanks- I'm going to tackle (again) tonight and see what I can get accomplished.

[Ccmano]

Bill, what also helps for access is to undo the lower engine mount nuts and lift the engine by and inch or two. If your removing the “K” members (frame supports) you’ll be undoing the engine mount lower nut anyway.
Have fun,
H

[billschroeder5842]

Oh, Jeeeeez.... not looking forward to that one.

I am able to get my fingers on it, by contorting my body and right hand. I can feel the bolt heads but that is about it. I'm wondering what is "better" doing the "k" frame or removing the oil pump. Sure the oil pump is messy but I have a mess going already.

I looked through the FSM last night and found no reference to this fix. Marc Haibeck mentioned this problem in one of his posts. He said he raised the engine a bit and did the repair by feel. Not much more information than that.

I did remove the inner fender well plastic and was able to put some light "down there" I'm going to try (pray?) fishing a long socket extension with some universals through the "gap" and the "feed" with my right hand the 8mm onto the bolt and twist with my left hand. That's the plan from my work desk at the moment.......

I'm blessed with big hands and PopEye forearms so repairs like this are miserable.

[Ccmano]

Originally Posted by Pete

I found to be the easy from on top.
Remove Oil filter housing, remove right side motor mount nut, lift motor.
Plenty of room

Pete

Sounds like a combination of the two. Doesn’t even require removing the “K” member, just the nut. I did one while installing headers and another while the engine was out. I suspect Pete’s got the right idea.
H