My car leaked 1 quart of oil in a matter of 3 1/2 weeks!! Arg!! It looks like the leak is coming from somewhere around the water pump but I can't see it with all of the accsesories in the way! It's pissing me off! I know what needs to be done and I'm almost sure I know where the leak is coming from. The car is a 94 Z28/LT1 with only 15,000 on the rebuilt block. Just needed to vent. Thanks for listening.

 

DISTRIBUTOR SHAFT
The drive shaft for the early style distributor is reversible by design, but it may have a machined lead on it that will cause it to pump oil past the front cover seal if it is installed backward. Unfortunately, the shop installs it, so all you can do is wait for the phone call when the seal leaks and they’re looking for someone to blame.
Check this link:
http://www.automotiverebuilder.com/ar/ar99928.htm

 

Any recommendations Pete? If that is the case that they did put in the shaft backwards when it was rebuilt then is this something that can be fixed with the engine in the car or does the engine have to be removed and basicly torn apart to be repaired?

 

If that is the case, the engine does not have to come out. The front pulley, and the opti will have to be removed. The shaft may stay on the engine or come out with the opti. In either case pull the shaft and reverse the ends. You can look at the spiral grooves on the shaft. The shaft spins clockwise, so the leading edge of the grooves should point clockwise, so that the oil gets pushed back in, rather than being pulled out. You should also replace the shaft seal that sits in the timing cover.

 

Thanks for your help Pete. Nothing that a 12 pack of Bud and a few hours in the garage can't handle. Thanks again.

 

Pulled off the harmonic balancer, dropped in a new water pump and pulled the opti and reversed the distributor shaft. That shaft and seal looked like the reason for the leak. The bad news was that no one had the seal on hand and everyplace I called said the had to special order the seal so I had to put everything back on since this car is my only form a transportation. Damn!