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1978 MIDGET 1500cc engine oil leak

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ARRIS

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Good day,

My 78 1500cc is hemorrhaging motor oil 🤬. Are there any usual spots I should be looking for when trying to find the source? Secondly, I will be removing the pan so that I can replace the thrust washers that dropped into the pan. FYI, I recently purchased the car knowing that the previous owner had removed the pan and fished the TW out. My plan is to measure the crank play and order the TW from Scott Helms and install them with the engine still in the car. 🙏

With that said, if Ya'll can point me in the right direction regarding the oil leak it is much appreciated. Thank you in advance.

Darcy
 
you aren't running it with the thrust washers missing are you?

a couple of thoughts if it is leaking while the engine isn't running.

1. if the PO had had the pan off, he might not have properly put the pan or pan gasket back on - including overtightening the bolts and deforming the pan (don't ask how I know how easy that is)

2. If it is while the engine is running it could be that the PCV valve is clogged and it is blowing out the oil fill hole.
 
JPSmit said:
you aren't running it with the thrust washers missing are you?

a couple of thoughts if it is leaking while the engine isn't running.

1. if the PO had had the pan off, he might not have properly put the pan or pan gasket back on - including overtightening the bolts and deforming the pan (don't ask how I know how easy that is)

2. If it is while the engine is running it could be that the PCV valve is clogged and it is blowing out the oil fill hole.
Click to expand...
Hello, I have only started the car twice since I have purchased it. Did not use the clutch and or put it in gear.

I will have a better idea once I get her up on the Jack stands and have a dreamy gander at the undercarriage. Thank you for ur reply.

Darcy
 
good luck and keep us posted!
 
Arris, as you probably already know, once the TW falls out there is nothing to prevent the rear thrust flange of the crankshaft from being shoved into the rear main bearing cap when the clutch pedal is pressed. If it goes very long without the TW that cap will begin to wear. Inspect it when you get the main bearing cap off; that cap is what keeps the TW in there. It creates a small ledge for the TW to rest on. If it is worn, even a little there will not be enough ledge to keep the TW in and it will fall out again. If it is worn the easiest solution is to weld some material to each side of the rear of the main bearing cap worn off by having no TW. You must make sure not to build this up too much. Weld, then practice fit the rear main cap to make sure it will not come in contact with the crankshaft flange. Also, some shop manuals say you should have .006" to .014" oil clearance on the TW and others say .006-.008". Both of these are too great, in my humble opinion. I try to get the oil clearance down to .004" to .006". This cuts down on the loss of TWs tremendously in the 1500.
 
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