Pretty bad oil leak...

Bret

Knuckle Buster
Joined
Dec 28, 2015
Messages
4
Location
Washington State
First Name
Bret
Willys Model
  1. Wagon
Willys Year:
  1. 1961
I just got a pair of Willys wagons for Christmas, and I'm really excited. The 1961 4x4 started today for the first time in 5 years. It has a 283 chev smallblock. I was warned that there was an oil leak, and sure enough... Anyway, it looks like it leaking where the transmission bolts to the adaptor to the v-8. I don't know how to seak out a new gasket, or what to call the part I need. I'm assuming I can find one, separate the two parts, install the new gasket, and off I go. Any suggestions on where to find this gasket?
Thanks
Bret
 
I would start with Advance Adapters or Novak conversions. I don't think there is a gasket but, if there is, one of these companies probably made the adapter and will be able to help you. Please don't forget to post pics. of your wagons, we love pics.
 
It sounds like your rear main seal is leaking. It needs to be replaced by now anyhow.
 
I would look carefully to be sure it is not running down from the center rear of the intake manifold or the valve covers, which can at times drip in such a way as to look like the rear main- you might get lucky.
 
Rear main engine seal? I'm going to take a close look in a few days. I can't see here how to post a picture, but I will try! Thanks fir everyone's replies! I'm going to try and research the adapter company.
 
Bret said:
Rear main engine seal? I'm going to take a close look in a few days. I can't see here how to post a picture, but I will try! Thanks fir everyone's replies! I'm going to try and research the adapter company.
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It's doubtful the adapter itself has anything to do with the leak. It's just a hunk of metal that lets different species of bell housing and transmission mate.

Usual culprits for major oil leaks in old engines are main seals, especially rear main seals, which sounds like a good candidate in your case, given the area you see it coming from, and oil pressure sending units. I'd find your sending unit and make sure it's not pouring out the oil you're seeing. Also double-check the oil filter gasket and any pressure lines, like to an external filter.

Valve cover gaskets can leak copiously if they're broken, but they aren't under pressure, so its unusual for them to push out oil in large quantities. Still, worth a check before you tear into the main seal.
 
Bret said:
Rear main engine seal? I'm going to take a close look in a few days. I can't see here how to post a picture, but I will try! Thanks fir everyone's replies! I'm going to try and research the adapter company.
Click to expand...

Could also be the front bearing retainer seal on the trans. There usually is one on a GM adapter, inside the bearing retainer.
Easy to figure out. The engine seal leaks motor oil and the front bearing seal leaks gear oil.
Any car parts store will have that trans seal. bring it in, read the part #.
different smells for different oils.
diggerG
 
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To post a pic, create a post and use the insert pic icon, third from right. See icon below.

SBCs are known to leak at the rear formally of several places. The ideal thing, before spending $$$, is to THOROUGHLY clean the area, using Gunk engine cleaner, old toothbrushes, etc. Also maybe solvent. When it's quite clean, dust it with talcum powder - i.e. baby powder.

Then start it and see where the oil first appears. Depending on the leak severity, it may show soon, or you may have to let it run or drive it for a bit.

Also, you said the leak "looks like it leaking where the transmission bolts to the adaptor to the v-8". Trannies can leak out the front bearing retainer. Could that be the source?

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Just a thought depending how old the engine is. On the left side [DS] of the distributor on the old engines was an open port about 1" in diameter. There was a tube that ran down the side of the block along the bell housing. This was the "blow by" tube or vent before PVC valves. Guys used to use a soft plug to plug the hole if/when they replace old valve covers with ones that have the PVC port. If they used a rubber plug, maybe it's dry rotted and needs replaced.

Also just above the cam on the back of the engine are three small set screw plugs. On HP engines builders would put restrictors in place of the plugs to control oil flow. Might be one of these leaking. But I'm going with the rear main seal story.

Dave
 
diggerG said:
Could also be the front bearing retainer seal on the trans. There usually is one on a GM adapter, inside the bearing retainer.
Easy to figure out. The engine seal leaks motor oil and the front bearing seal leaks gear oil.
Any car parts store will have that trans seal. bring it in, read the part #.
different smells for different oils.
diggerG
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Ok that's great advice. I did notice the engine oil level is fine and the oil itself is light and clear. The leaking oil is dark and dirty. I'm thinking you're on the right path here. I drove it around a little. Goes great, but shifting involves a lot of gear grinding before you feel it snick into gear. I'm assuming the dirty fluid is causing that
 
Bret said:
Ok that's great advice. I did notice the engine oil level is fine and the oil itself is light and clear. The leaking oil is dark and dirty. I'm thinking you're on the right path here. I drove it around a little. Goes great, but shifting involves a lot of gear grinding before you feel it snick into gear. I'm assuming the dirty fluid is causing that
Click to expand...

Sorry my friend. It's more than dirty oil.
clutch out of adjustment or you need one.
diggerG
diggerG
 
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