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Oil Leak on Front Driver Side of 400 Big Cam III Engine
#1
I’m dealing with an oil leak on the top end of my 400 Big Cam III engine, specifically on the front driver side. The leak seems to be coming from the top part of the engine, and it’s causing a bit of concern. I’m reaching out to see if anyone has experience with this kind of issue and can offer some advice.
Symptoms
The oil leak is noticeable on the front driver side of the engine, and it appears to be coming from the top end. There’s a visible accumulation of oil, and the leak seems to worsen after running the engine for a while. It’s a slow leak, but it’s concerning as oil is dripping down onto other components.
I’ve checked the oil level and it’s been steadily decreasing over time, so it seems like the leak is significant enough to warrant attention. However, the exact source of the leak is unclear, and I’m not sure whether it's coming from a gasket, seal, or another part of the engine.
Possible Causes
I’ve considered several possible causes for the oil leak:
  • A worn or damaged gasket, possibly from the valve cover or another part of the top end.
  • A faulty seal on the front driver side.
  • Oil slinging from the spinning components in the engine.
I’ve checked some of the visible parts, but I haven’t been able to pinpoint the source. The engine runs smoothly, and there are no other obvious signs of engine failure.
Troubleshooting Attempts
To address the issue, I’ve tried the following steps:
  • Checked the oil level and noticed a steady decrease over time.
  • Inspected the valve cover for any visible cracks or wear.
  • Looked around the top end for any obvious leaks but couldn't find a clear cause.
Despite these checks, the source of the leak remains unclear, and I haven’t been able to stop it yet.
Seeking Advice
I’m hoping to get some insights from anyone who has dealt with oil leaks on a Big Cam III engine. Could the problem be related to something as simple as a bad gasket, or is there a more complex issue at play? I would appreciate any guidance on how to proceed with locating and fixing the leak.
If anyone has had similar issues or can provide tips on inspecting the engine further, it would be incredibly helpful in narrowing down the cause of the leak.
Next Steps
I’m considering replacing the gaskets or seals around the front driver side, but I want to be sure that I'm addressing the right issue before moving forward. Any advice on how to inspect the area more effectively or what the most common causes of such leaks might be would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance for any help you can offer, as I’m eager to get this oil leak sorted and prevent any further damage to the engine.
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