Superslow0288

iTrader: (8)

Hey guys, Just started my 2004 5.3 last night after complete build in my 2002 SS. It has an oil leak on the passanger side right in the corner of the block beside the #4 main side bolt. Its not pushing out of the main cap bolt its literally like a pinhole in the block...no the irony of it all about a month ago we finished the motor for my buddies 1998 Z28; 2001 LQ4 6.0, it leaked oil in the exact same place exact same situation...What gives is there a secret that we need to be let in on? Both of us are pretty mechanically inclined but we are stumped with this one? Are there common casting flaws? It feels like a small pinhole when I rub my fingers across it. Did we forget something...Input appreciated!!

Burken01

iTrader: (88)

Did you align the oil pan properly? Or reuse old compressed gaskets?

Those are 2 off the top of my head..

Atomic

iTrader: (37)

Sure its not the oil dipstick?

Superslow0288

iTrader: (8)

No oil pan is aligned per specs and torqued properly...New gaskets everywhere, in mine nothing was reused...And the oil dipstick is in the right place sealed with new O-ring, and attached to the head with bolt...I have no idea its like both blocks have a hole in the crankcase right where the oil pan meets the block. its tiny but enough to whip oil out while running...I'm lost if it where just one of the motors I could understand but both in the same place just blows my mind MINDF**&ED lol

Burken01

iTrader: (88)

What method of alignment are you using?

2 oil pans with the same leak in the same place might mean user install error.. Ya never know you might be overlooking something minor that a fresh set of eyes can locate

Are you using black Rtv at the 4 corners where the oil pan gasket meets the rear cover and front timing cover gasket?

Superslow0288

iTrader: (8)

Yes RTV in all 4 corners, timing and rear cover first loosely, then pan, torque pan working inside out 18' pd, then long bolts in back to spec 106" pd, then covers torqued front and rear 18' pd , but thats the thing its not coming out of a gasket literally with my car up on the lift I can see it spew out its spitting from the block...My buddies did the same thing and we thought it was a just luck of the draw something that was there before and missed during magnaflux, but now mine is doing the same thing same place....Its gotta be something with these iron blocks I guess im wondering if any other iron block guys have had similar expieriences?? it really seems like there is a pinhole right there...on the Z28 we ground it down it a little to rough it up the JB welded it sealed it up fine for now...but I dont understand how two motors, two different machine shops, two different guys, completely different setups same results in regard to this...

Burken01

iTrader: (88)

Hmm interesting

I have a lm7 5.3 block and I'm a couple weeks out from first start up.. Ill be looking for that leak and see if I have the same problem..

Superslow0288

iTrader: (8)

I agree! Yes, keep an eye out let me know what you find...Hopefully nothing!!

baronsmith98

iTrader: (2)

Just do like Chevy Chase on Vegas Vacation and put some gum on it

Quick Ranger

iTrader: (2)

I'd like to see what you find, so i can possibly avoid it on mine when i start up.

RezinTexas

very strange, my 2004 LM7 block does not have any leaks.

Old Geezer

iTrader: (3)

Pan off, defect located, shop air applied. See anything on the inside of the block??

Superslow0288

iTrader: (8)

Thanks old geezer for a great idea, but clarify for me. are you saying drop the pan, find the problem, apply air to the outside of the block in the area or the defect and then view the inside of the crankcase for bubbles or any passing air??

Burken01

iTrader: (88)

That's what it sounds like to me..

Old Geezer

iTrader: (3)

Exactly.