Chasing fluid leaks - how foar do you go?

[roadrunnerron]

Back in the day it was normal to have a car that leaked oil. Was wondering how far you will go to chase down leaks. Personally, I classify leaks as puddles and spots. Puddles need immediate attention unless its transmission fluid in which case spots also need attention quickly.

So far, this off season, I've had two rads recored, replaced a torque convertor, repaired a leak from the timing chain cover and a pinion seal to fix puddle issues. Along the way tangent minor leaks have also been fixed.

I still have a spotting type leak that appears to the rear seal of the engine of the Road Runner. Seems like a lot of work to fix a small leak. Should I fix it or live with it? I have other things to spend time on.

 

[Dennis H]

The most modern component on the R/T is the Tremec TKO. Wet from day one. First the speedo connection, now who knows. I just live with it. I park over a pan.

 

[Moparsmitty]

My uncle Bob used to tell me "if it stops leaking, it's out of oil". Seriously though, some guys go nuts if they find a drop of oil, coolant or whatever under their car, I don't. The only thing I won't tolerate is brake fluid for obvious reasons. The rear end on my Belvedere has leaked a drop or two out of the carrier every week since I've owned the car, but I'm not going to tear into it just because of that. I wouldn't worry about the rear seal in your RR unless it gets worse.

 

[LemonWedge]

I'd say its a personal preference; Whatever makes you tick. My car leaks ZERO oil. Something I'm very proud of since I built the motor. I've come to rely on Permatex Aviation Gasket Maker as a brush on adhesive for all gaskets. Good stuff!

My 727 on the other hand has been leaking at the front seal for a few years now. I've been living with it for a while, but its on the agenda for this winter to pull it and replace the converter seal.

 

[383MovingViolation]

As long as it's not brake fluid or gas and it's not a huge puddle of something, I just drive it. These are old cars that do set a lot and they will leak somewhere.

 

[747mopar]

I do what I can during the winter months to fix any leaks but if it's leaking during the summer piss on it, I'm driving it. Trick to tracking down leaks is keeping your motor squeaky clean and look it over often. To answer your question, if there's a puddle I'm on it.

 

[mightymopar]

To put it very simply, I am never done hunting leaks.

 

[BIGSHCLUNK]

I had a rear main seal drip on my superduty diesel for years... it was way cheaper to buy a case of oil....

 

[Budnicks]

I really hate leaks too, but getting better in my older years, less OCD & much more relaxed...LOL

 

[RT K_line]

I have a front cover that weeps oil but doesn't leave a puddle or drops on the floor. The transmission pan gasket sweats out too. But like it has been said it's an old car even though the engine has only 10,000 miles it fires up on demand every time no matter how long it sits. If it doesn't leave a puddle larger than a quarter dont bother, enjoy the time you have with it. You never know when your time is up. MOPAR FOR LIFE

 

[Bruzilla]

Being in aviation so long, leaks don't bother me. Try walking under an F-15 fighter plane some time... it's like a hydraulic fluid shower under there.

 

[mmissile]

Since I first started using synthetic lubricants in the 80's, I've noticed how they will leak much easier than dino-oil products. Only my racecars get synthetics. My new daily's require it for warranty, but anything I can convert to dino-oil....I generally do. My winter-beater Caravan, leaves pools of everything but coolant. I never change the oil, as it gets fresh stuff so often. LOL When it dies...it dies.

 

[Big Bad Dad]

This is one of my great agrravations. Not a B Body, but I have a 78 Dodge pickup that I have owned since '87. I worked it hard and drove the wheels off of it for many years. Shes got about 290K showing now. I retired it to a life of leisure, and even put collector car license plates on it a few years ago with intentions of gradually "fixing it back up". I actually enjoy driving the truck more than my daily drivers. Anyway, every fluid in it was leaking, so I took off the front clip a couple years ago to repair the radiator support. While it was off, I pulled the engine and trans to clean it up and seal it up. New rear main seal, all gaskets, brass freeze plugs, new hoses, trans pan gasket and filter, front seal, etc. You get the picture? ALL taken care of! Put her back together, and was rewarded with drips and small puddles of oil, ATF, and antifreeze. Made me feel like a worthles mechanic! Now I just keep a sheet of cardboard shoved up underneath the ungrateful bitch.....

 

[Moparsmitty]

Being in aviation so long, leaks don't bother me. Try walking under an F-15 fighter plane some time... it's like a hydraulic fluid shower under there.

One of the first things I learned in the USAF was not to walk under the C-124 Globemasters right after they landed. At night you couldn't see the blazing hot oil running off of the wings. The aircraft being met by a fuel truck and an oil truck should have been a clue.