Packard Forum Index » General

Talk to me about oil leaks! I have a 53 Cavalier that I'm slowly getting sorted after it has sat for a long time. It has some oil leaks which I want to get sorted at some point as well.

My question is, should I expect it to always leak a bit of oil, or if seals are all good it could be leak free?

Attach file:

---

  oil-leak.jpg (122.11 KB)

1954 Panama here. I'm leaking from the oil pan (new gasket) rear main, power steering in two locations, and at least one place on the transmission. It is a cornucopia of leaks.

Eventually I'll deal with them all. It's just not high on the priority list as I tackle other issues. I just throw some drip pans underneath and watch my fluid levels for now.

Yes you can get 100% leak free. My dad's '38 Super has zero leaks, but the engine has been rebuilt with every single seal being new. I don't plan on rebuilding my '54.

-Kevin

Kevin's advice is good, so long as it's not brake fluid leaking. The brake system should be number one on your list to repair and restore. Then steering and suspension. No joy if you can't stop and steer safely.

You may be able to get it leak free but it's a game of chance even with new seals, as sometimes the mating surface is too worn to be completely leak free again. I work for an industrial equipment manufacturer and we have this problem sometimes with customers equipment that they want rebuilt. Rubber seal against a rotating shaft can actually abrade a nice groove into it if debris gets stuck in, though this would be much more operation than these cars see, probably by a factor of 5 or 10.

IMHO if you're leaking a couple quarts per year or less, it's probably not worth tackling. Unless maybe if you can confirm it's all from one place.

My Packard and my Audi are both great at redistributing their oil all over roads and parking lots. The cars are 50 years apart in age and seals still remain a problem. Doesn't bother me as much as it once did.

-Kevin

If you have a metal spraying shop near you? They spray on metal then machine down to correct diameter

I had that done once in the '60 on a 1940 110 engine that had spun a rod bearing and it's still going strong today!

Alternately the more proper (but more expensive) way is to simply chrome plate that section of the piece to build up a hard metal surface, then machine down.

Another way is to install a precision sleeve over the worn surface. These sleeves come in a wide variety of sizes. A good bearing store will have a listing of the sleeves and what would fit your need. I used this method on the seal surface of the rear drums on my previously owned 47 Custom.

I found some photos of the sleeves and want to share them. I believe Federal Mogal also makes something similar. They come with an installation tool. I had to trim a small amount after the sleeves were installed. Hope this helps.

Attach file:

---

  IMG_0044.jpeg (59.39 KB)


  IMG_0052.jpeg (33.15 KB)


  IMG_0053.jpeg (28.15 KB)