Thanks to you guys I’ve learned that the oil leak I find in my lifter valley pan…

[Plyrr471]

Is most likely due to oil wicking up through the intake manifold bolts. My question is what do I use to seal the threads from transferring oil upwards eventually winding up on the pan? I don’t want to pull the manifold as it’s sealed up very well on the intake side, seemingly no air leaks. Thanks guys.

 

[Nirvana]

Permatex 59235 Permatex High-Temperature Thread Sealant | Summit Racing

 

[Plyrr471]

Thanks Nirvana. I suppose I should somehow clean the threads in the block before using the sealant?

 

[R413]

Yes, but the threads are in the heads. They go through to inside so remove valve cover and put a rag on the inside and spray brake cleaner in the holes.

 

[Plyrr471]

Yes, but the threads are in the heads. They go through to inside so remove valve cover and put a rag on the inside and spray brake cleaner in the holes.

Perfect, thanks R143, that’ll work.

 

[Nirvana]

Thanks Nirvana. I suppose I should somehow clean the threads in the block before using the sealant?

Yeah, I would try to remove as much of the oil as possible. Q-tips soaked in brake clean can help here.

The sealant is fairly thick, and you’ll want to shake the tube vigorously before using. It has a tendency to separate. Apply it liberally to the threads and install.

 

[Plyrr471]

Sounds like a plan, thanks @Nirvana

 

[Fran Blacker]

Sounds like a plan, thanks @Nirvana

Like threads that are updated, please continue.

 

[matthon]

Is this really a thing?

I thought mine was due to oil getting past the bolts, but it turned out to be a bad seal between the pan and head.

Iirc, around/near the crossover.

In that case, pulling/sealing the bolts did nothing.

Glueing the gasket to the bottom of the pan solved it.

 

[Plyrr471]

Thanks for the fyi matthon, now I’ve got something else to consider. Hate to pull it off, but you make a good point!