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614 Posts
So I have had 3 of these, early 2000's v6 vortecs.
They have all had problems leaking; oil pan, front cover, and rear.
Even the valve covers, with brand new seals, will start leaking in short order.
The PVC valve is fine.
I dont even know how many front covers Ive done over there years.
One was poorly manufactured. I didnt find out until later. Though it leaked the same as the others
One time I was able to keep the pan leak free for a long time. I just went around the whole freaking pan with RTV, on the outside of the gasket. That worked for a long while.
My engine latest engine has about 100k miles.
I got an oil change the other day, and then it promptly started leaking, bad.
My first thought....they stripped my oil pan bolt.
That wasnt it. Its leaking between the block and trans.
The rest of the pan is pretty dry, so i'm thinking the rear main went out.
I also wondered if the put too much oil in it. Could that raise pressure inside, and ruin seals?
My dip stick broke, and my new one is not in yet. So I cant check yet.
What am I missing? Are these engines just prone to leaking? I follow install directions with everything, and it will still leak, in a short amount of time.
Are there some tricks? Time tested hacks from chevy builders?
Im looking at pulling the trans, to see whats going on, but damn, if I do that, I want the best seal money can buy, and years of leak free rear main.
Any advice from 4.3 enthusiasts would be greatly appreciated!
They have all had problems leaking; oil pan, front cover, and rear.
Even the valve covers, with brand new seals, will start leaking in short order.
The PVC valve is fine.
I dont even know how many front covers Ive done over there years.
One was poorly manufactured. I didnt find out until later. Though it leaked the same as the others
One time I was able to keep the pan leak free for a long time. I just went around the whole freaking pan with RTV, on the outside of the gasket. That worked for a long while.
My engine latest engine has about 100k miles.
I got an oil change the other day, and then it promptly started leaking, bad.
My first thought....they stripped my oil pan bolt.
That wasnt it. Its leaking between the block and trans.
The rest of the pan is pretty dry, so i'm thinking the rear main went out.
I also wondered if the put too much oil in it. Could that raise pressure inside, and ruin seals?
My dip stick broke, and my new one is not in yet. So I cant check yet.
What am I missing? Are these engines just prone to leaking? I follow install directions with everything, and it will still leak, in a short amount of time.
Are there some tricks? Time tested hacks from chevy builders?
Im looking at pulling the trans, to see whats going on, but damn, if I do that, I want the best seal money can buy, and years of leak free rear main.
Any advice from 4.3 enthusiasts would be greatly appreciated!