Mystery Oil Leak Solved

[lockmancpl]

Sent: 4/14/2005

All last season we endured the oil on exhaust smell so common on 440-3. We were almost resigned to the leaking valve cover gasket sydrome. But this year we were going find it one way or the other. So with fresh oil and a couple of months of engine rest, we had two flashlights and four eyes in very close engine proximity for the first of season startup. Although it was sooooo hard to stay focused when the big block started to rumble through its low restriction dual exhaust. That sound is almost as good as (). Anyway to make things even better that  #*@**#@  leak showed itself. And it wasn't our gaskets!!! It only lasted 20 to 30 seconds and it was over. Even just the time to remove the doghouse cover and we would have missed it. The beastie leak was coming from the middle seam of the oil pressure indicator light sending switch. Located at the passenger side rear area, just in front of the ignition module bracket. It only leaked when cold and low oil pressure, the rest of the time it was dry.  But the damage was done, the oil would trickle down around the end of the valve cover onto the exhaust  Out with the damm thing!! Beside our instrument panel copper foil wiring has mostly cracked from age, and the light and some other things don't work anyway. Who needs an idiot light when you got a new guage anyway. Besides it was a good excuse to by a new speciality tool. A 1- 1/16" six sided oil sender socket wrench. Just what everyone needs LOL, well at least once in your life anyway. In with a brass plug and onto a smoke free season. Check your sender out sometime, could be the plastic top has failed were crimpted onto the metal base?

[MSN Member]

From: Boise_Chief1
Sent: 4/14/2005

Thanks for the heads up.  Weekend after next I'm starting on all leaks.  I have a leak at the oil filter mount.  I was able to get the new gasket thru the dodge dealership today.  I did have to buy the whole oil pump gasket set but I got what I needed. and it was only $8.
Sean

[MSN Member]

From: doc
Sent: 4/14/2005

Thanks, I am going to check that out. I have a small leak on the passenger side at startup but do not think it is there later. Will see.....

[DaveVA78Chieftain]

Sent: 4/15/2005

Just a informational note for those that have the later dash (74 up) that includes an oil pressure idiot light in the monitor panel on the left side plus the oil pressure gauge by the fuel gauge.  There are 2 sending units involved for a stock configuration.  They are both located at the rear top of the engine.  There are threaded holes on either side of the camshaft housing.  The drivers side one is for the idiot light.  The passenger side one is for the gauge.  Do to size, the sending unit for the stock gauge (electrical type) will not physically fit in the area on the drivers side hole.  Drivers side (idiot light) takes the small sending unit.  Many have added mechanical aftermarket gauges which should have been connected to the passenger side hole.  In some cases, the installer removed the drivers side sender which resulted in the idiot light staying on all the time.

Dave

[The_Handier_Man1]

Has anyone replaced the oil pump gaskets to fix a leak on the 440 oil filter mount and did you find a complete gasket set?  I am thinking about this job but have not found a gasket set yet.  I have found the 2 main gaskets, but there are a few o-rings I would like to have when I take it apart,  Les