dfeazell Posted May 20, 2016 Share Posted May 20, 2016 What is the best way to seal up the oil leaks on a 1947 320? The right side of the engine is wet. I have not been able to stop the leaks from my 37 special push rod cover. I have installed three and it still leaks some. The gaskets were from Bobs and a black material. I have tried sealant and it didn't seem to matter (just made it really hard to remove). Any help would be appreciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete O Posted May 20, 2016 Share Posted May 20, 2016 You gotta make sure the edges are flat. Since they bolt in from the center, if the edges are warped or bent, you won't get equal pressure around the mating surface. A straight edge and little hammer and dolly work might be needed. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
old-tank Posted May 20, 2016 Share Posted May 20, 2016 6 minutes ago, Pete O said: You gotta make sure the edges are flat. Since they bolt in from the center, if the edges are warped or bent, you won't get equal pressure around the mating surface. A straight edge and little hammer and dolly work might be needed. After you do that get some 1/8" cork/rubber gasket material and make a gasket. Glue the gasket to the cover and install dry or if desired apply a small amount of RTV to the other surface. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DonMicheletti Posted May 21, 2016 Share Posted May 21, 2016 Are you sure that it is the pushrod cover causing the leaks? On the straight 8's, the rocker stanchion bolts on the pushrod side, the holes are tapped through to the spark plug area and will often leak oil into the area around the sparkplugs and then down around the pushrod cover and looking like a cover leak. It sounds as if you have done all the right things with the cover. If you do find that the problem is from the sparkplug area, about the only way to get a good bolt seal is to remove the rocker arm assembly, clean the tapped holes thoroughly, clean the bolt threads and use a good sealant around the bolt threads when you put it back together. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dfeazell Posted May 21, 2016 Author Share Posted May 21, 2016 (edited) I think you might be on to something. The spark plug recesses on the 37 are filled with oil. I couldn't understand why but I think I do now. What would you use as a sealant? Does the black Form-a-Gasket from Permatex work? Thanks for all your help. Edited May 21, 2016 by dfeazell (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob Engle Posted May 22, 2016 Share Posted May 22, 2016 Centerville Auto repair (nailhead specialist) has some interesting info for rebuild on nailheads. He has a unique method for cork gasket use to prevent weeping. It may not be relevant to the this thread problem, but it sure may help with oil seepage on any engine. Bob Engle 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dfeazell Posted May 22, 2016 Author Share Posted May 22, 2016 thats an interesting site Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DonMicheletti Posted May 22, 2016 Share Posted May 22, 2016 I used silicone sealant on the threads. I has worked just fine on both my '38's. However, it is very important to get both the holes and bolt threads clean. The last "bolt" is a actually a stud. Dont take it out, or if you do, be sure to seal it very well. That stud is tapped into the water jacket and a leak there will let water into the oil - i found out the hard way! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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