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Shade Tree Mechanic
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I just started my 38 216 for the first time. The engine starts and runs great. While running I do not seem to have any leaks. However, when I shut the engine off I get oil dripping from the rear of the engine, which seems to be the rear main. It will drip about the size of a half dollar then quit. Before I hassle with changing that rear main does anyone have any suggestions. I don't want to do it and have this same issue.
Thanks
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ChatMaster - 25,000
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ChatMaster - 25,000
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It is (was) somewhat normal to have the rear main drip a little after starting a cold engine with cold thick oil and shutting it off after running a few minutes.
The higher oil pressure when cold forces more oil to the rear main and it cannot return fast enough to return to the sump.
One reason not to use straight #30 oil.
You really can't "change" the rear main. First it has no seal. The bearing can be adjust tighter by removing shims if it is too losse. This would reduce the amount of oil pushing past the bearing.
Last edited by Chev Nut; 04/27/16 05:17 PM.
Gene Schneider
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With the rear main, you can change the bottom half of the seal, and re-pack the top half with a new piece on the end of the old seal. Slows the dripping a bit... In my experience with my two buckets... if I'm not dripping a bit of oil, then I've got a serious problem! 
Last edited by brewster; 04/27/16 11:45 PM.
Those accustomed to the finest...find it in Chevrolet.
1953 Belair Convertible
1951 2dr Deluxe Sedan
2015 GMC SLE 4X4
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I don't believe the '38 engine has a rear seal, just an oil slinger. About all you can do is make sure the bearing clearance is correct and the ball in the return passage is not stuck and the passage is clean. In my experience it is difficult to keep these engines completely leak free for any length of time. 
Ed
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ChatMaster - 25,000
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Correct....1940 waa first to have a seal.
Gene Schneider
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Backyard Mechanic
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Backyard Mechanic
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My '38 216 was completely rebuilt and I just replaced everything except the head gasket, as it sat for so long and everything dried up. Still leaks a little bit here and there, which is pretty much normal.
There has been a lot of discussion about rear main leaks, if you look at old posts, you should see many with pictures.
~Jim
'38 Master Deluxe 2-Dr
*Disclaimer*...All technical advice given is for entertainment value only, and is not to be taken seriously...
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Shade Tree Mechanic
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Shade Tree Mechanic
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Thanks for all the input. After running it off and on this week it does seem like the more it runs, the less it leaks. It does have SAE 30 in it. What do you guys recommend? It is such a motivator to hear it run. I bought this car as a basket case, so cool to hear it run. Thanks Again.
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Joined: Jan 2002
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ChatMaster - 25,000
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10W-30 is just fine. It will be thin like #10 when cold.
Gene Schneider
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Tech Advisor ChatMaster - 25,000
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Tech Advisor ChatMaster - 25,000
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The Mangy Old Mutt
"If It's Not Junk.....It's Not Treasure!"
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Shade Tree Mechanic
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Backyard Mechanic
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nature of the beast. what a nice beast they are when they pull the car along without a break down. find a nice large flat pan to slide under the car to keep the garage floor clean and you'll be good to go. I use old stainless steel pans that were used in an animal research lab, and they are much larger than baking pans and work great. These could help. http://www.walmart.com/ip/ATP-Extra-Large-Oil-Drip-Pan/16778234?reviews_limit=10&Is that an old Corvette I see in the picture?
Last edited by videoranger; 05/01/16 07:28 PM.
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