Oil leaking down updraft carb

[maok]

G'day all,

 

Fresh red oil is leaking down the Tillotson updraft carb when the engine has been running and then turned off. Its a Chrysler 28 series 62.

 

Where could the oil be coming from? I am assuming from the engine via the inlet (or exhuast) manifold. It is definately not engine oil. Only place I could image would be the distributor, the reason I say the distributor is that it is right above the inlet manifold on the flat head.

 

Am I on the right path to this mystery?

[Dwight Romberger]

This is an interesting question, so I did some research:

This is a 1928 Chrysler 60 series distributor:

https://classicshowcar.com/wp-content/gallery/2014-stowe-antique-and-classic/20140809_Stowe-Car-Show_0063.jpg

 

My guess is that someone packed a non-high temperature red grease into that knurled knob distributor spindle grease fitting on the left side of the distributor.

 

When the engine heats up sufficently, the grease liquifies and runs out the twist cap. 

 

I am sure someone here knows the proper high temperature grease to use.  That is above my pay grade.

 

Hope this helps

 

Dwight

Edited November 1, 2015 by Dwight Romberger (see edit history)

[maok]

Thanks mate.

 

That sounds like a very likely scenario of what could be happening.

 

I have never pulled apart a flat head engine, so there must be a path from the distributor down to the inlet manifold in the engine block.

[Dwight Romberger]

I would think it is sneeking down on the outside. but I don't know for sure.

Edited November 2, 2015 by Dwight Romberger (see edit history)

[Rusty_OToole]

If the carb gets flooded gas can leak out the throttle shaft and other places. When it evaporates it can leave an oily red-brown residue at least it used to.

[maok]

It definitely is not running down from out side of the distributor or engine.

 

The Tillotson carb is running very well, no flooding or leakage.

[hchris]

Are you sure its not fuel, sounds to me like a classic case of the carb float not shutting off when the

engine stops and letting the bowl overflow; pics would help.

[Graham Man]

My Graham engine is the identical set up.  If the grease from the cup was leaking out it would go into the crank case. 

 

I am in carb camp.  Most likely new fuel is removing old fuel deposits and leaking out (would look like oil).  I would wipe it off and not worry about it.  If you are using a replacement aftermarket air filter sometimes they use a red oil in the filter could be pulling that into the carb.  If the float is overflowing I would worry more, don't want a fire.

[28 Chrysler]

There should be a vacuum line on the motor side of the intake manifold check to see if that is clean.

There is no path from the distributor to the inside of the carb unless there the grease is running down the head to a vacuum leak on the carb.

[Spinneyhill]

Are you putting any oil in the fuel? That could be what is left after (leaking) fuel evaporates?

[ArticiferTom]

_{What about from vacuum line pulling from wiper grease , via intake  manifold .}

[tom_in_nh]

Rusty water???

Do you have any photos?

[GLong]

Do you have a Marvel Mystery oil dispenser on the engine intake manifold?  or a similar upper cylinder lubrication device?  

If so, could it be leaking, pooling on the throttle butterfly, then leaking out the throttle shaft clearances ?  

The only 'red' substances that are oily, are ATF, Marvel Mystery Oil, liquified red grease, dried or partially dried gasoline,  I'm sure there are dozens more I can't think of.  

 

GLong

[oily rag]

It could be running a bit rich and what you are seeing is a fuel and oil mix running down from around the intake valves.  Worn valve guilds ?

[maok]

Sorry for a late response.

 

Couple pics attached.

 

I'm leaning towards it being fuel. But does feel very oily.

[Alfa]

Looks like petrol residue to me. And there really isn`t anything else around that area.

 

Adam..