Take a look at this, A Lot of OIL Leaking After The Race at this Twin Turbo Small Block Pontiac!
Following an exhilarating Midnight Madness race, our attention swiftly turned to the essential maintenance of our twin-turbo small block Pontiac. This crucial upkeep ensures peak performance and longevity for our prized machine. In this article, we delve into the recent challenges we encountered, particularly an oil leak, and the meticulous steps taken to rectify it.
Post-Race Reality: The Oil Leak Challenge
During the race, we noticed a significant oil leak originating from the valley area of the engine. Oil leaks can be particularly concerning, as they not only impact performance but can also lead to more severe engine damage if left unaddressed. The oil was visibly seeping everywhere, and the initial inspection suggested that the leak could be due to either the valley tray or the gasket under the distributor.
Upon closer examination, we found that the valley tray, which sits underneath the manifold, had a slight defect in the silicone seal. This defect was likely the culprit of the oil leak. Interestingly, the silicone used this time was different from our usual AC Delco silicone. The switch was made in hopes of finding a more pliable and user-friendly option, but it appears that this alternative silicone did not withstand the demands of the race.
The Fix: Cleaning, Scuffing, and Sealing
To address the issue, we meticulously cleaned and scuffed the surfaces around the valley tray and the manifold. Ensuring these areas are spotless and properly prepared is vital for achieving a robust seal. With the surfaces prepped, we applied a new bead of our trusted AC Delco silicone, confident that this would resolve the leak.
One challenge we faced was timing the installation of the distributor. Normally, the distributor is installed before the intake manifold, but in this situation, we needed the silicone to dry while working on other components. This adjustment allowed us to continue with other tasks while the silicone cured, ensuring a secure seal.
Oil Filter Inspection: A Key Step in Maintenance
Next, we turned our attention to the oil filter. Regular inspection and cleaning of the oil filter are critical, especially after a race. The filter housing was cleaned thoroughly to remove any excess oil, minimizing mess during disassembly. Upon inspection, the filter revealed mostly dirt and minor silicone fragments. Fortunately, there were no alarming signs of major engine issues.
The oil filter’s condition was reassuring. Despite the presence of some debris, the lack of significant metal particles or large chunks indicated that the engine was in good shape. This routine check serves as a preventive measure, catching potential problems early before they escalate.
Final Steps: Reassembly and Testing
With the oil filter cleaned and reinstalled, the final steps involved changing the oil and reassembling the engine components. Once everything was back in place, we prepared to fire up the engine. The initial startup sounded promising, and we anticipated putting the car back on the track soon.
In conclusion, addressing the oil leak and performing thorough post-race maintenance has reinforced our commitment to keeping the twin-turbo small block Pontiac in top condition. Regular maintenance, careful inspection, and using reliable materials are key to ensuring that our car remains a formidable competitor on the race track. As we gear up for the next race, the lessons learned from this experience will undoubtedly guide us in achieving even greater performance and reliability.
