2000 5.7 GSi PEFS - Oil leak near distributor?

[YYZ-RC]

I've got oil leaking from somewhere up high on the engine, I believe on the port side near the transom. The oil is running down the port/stern area of the engine near the serial number plate.

Is there a common spot for a leak in this area? I've read that it's possible to have a leak from the distributor spindle (?) or from the oil pressure sender port.

Any advice to track this down would be appreciated. Thank you.

 

[alldodge]

port side near the transom

Below the distributor on the lower deck of the block would be your oil pressure switch, they crack and can leak

 

[Scott Danforth]

The other chance of leaking is the RTV sealant between the block and intake. However the oil switch/sender that AllDodge mentioned would be the first place to look.

You will need to get eyes back there to see the leak

 

[YYZ-RC]

Looks like the leak is between the oil pressure sender elbow and "adapter" (as VP calls it; from the block to the elbow).

I'm going to go ahead and replace all 3 parts to be sure; any tips on replacement? It looks to be just unscrew and reinstall - should I use any sort of thread sealant/teflon tape on the new parts?

Thanks!

 

[alldodge]

Just as you say, and a little tape or pipe dope never hurts

 

[Scott Danforth]

Most likely, simply pulling it all apart and reinstalli,g with pipe dope is all you need

 

[YYZ-RC]

So I can get the adapter and the sender from VP no problem, but the elbow is on back order. Is this an off-the shelf "Home Depot" street elbow? Do you know the thread size and are the threads the same size male/female? Seems like they might be 1/8 NPT based on some Googling...

 

[alldodge]

Yes, 1/8 NPT

 

[YYZ-RC]

Haven't had a chance to get to the boat yet to address this, but I was thinking (always dangerous). The leak appears to be between the adapter and the elbow. Is there any reason why I shouldn't just remove the fittings and solder that joint?

 

[Scott Danforth]

you dont solder pipe fittings.

its a standard weather-head fitting. available at Napa, or any parts store.

 

[muc]

I have had good luck with gasket sealant for the threads. You don't want to use Teflon tape because the treads are the electrical ground for the sending unit.

 

[Lou C]

OMC gasket sealer, Merc perfect seal or Permatex Aviation. You don't need a lot, just a bit on the threads. Agree on NO Teflon tape.

 

[YYZ-RC]

Small update; the elbow was actually cracked at the top of the threads and when I tried to remove it, it broke. So that explains the leak. Working on getting a replacement as the OEM elbow is on back order through VP.