Hi everyone ! I just put about 200 mi on the rebuilt engine and decided to give it a look underneath and noticed oil dripping from the bottom of the opti !! I had been very careful replacing everything on the engine. I'm going to pull it down to the block this weekend and find the leak. Just curious how many of you have replaced seals and still had a leak on the opti afterwards ?? I am hoping the shaft for the waterpump hasn't been turned or sanded to clean-up seal wear.

 

did you replace the seals in the front? I couldn't tell from your post????

As to your question did i have leaks in the front after replacing the seals; no.

 

OH Yes ! All three of those seals I bought from the dealership. Didn't want to chance a cheap seal in this area.

 

You're not alone, I've heard multiple accounts of people replacing the opti and having the front cover leak. I would give you some pointers, but I haven't had to replace mine (yet).

 

camaro69 has a thread on here covering proper install of the front seals. its usually the water pump seal that is the hardest to change right. front intake seal is the other place to look.

 

...and here it is: https://camaroforums.com/forum/lt1-lt4-tech-9/installing-water-pump-drive-seal-43601/
I wouldn't be surprised if it's the water pump seal that's leaking. That one has to be installed juuuuuust right, or you can get a leaker. I replaced my seals right before a long road trip, and not a drop of oil.

 

Thanks everyone !

I read your thread " Camaro 69 " and I can see how the new seal probably got damaged when the timing chain cover was installed with the seal in it. This seal is best installed after mounting the timing chain cover i guess. I will make an istallation tool on a lathe and replace the seal like Camaro 69 suggest. And check that front and rear intake area between the heads too. Thanks Again !

 

Yep, if you installed the timing chain cover with the seals in place, without an installation tool, the inner lip of the water pump seal did snag on the step-up of the shaft and angled itself out instead of in like it should be. No doubt about it.