400CI OIL LEAKS

[79gmc400]

I can figure this out, but I wanted to know any good tricks on cleaning up a 400 ci motor and tranny to see what I got under there. Thanks, R

[beastie_3]

what? your engine leaks, but you want to see what you have under where?

[Grim 82]

Your best bet is to pull the motor out, put it on a stand, and get yourself a gasket kit. Paint everything up nice and swap any components that you want to upgrade, like your intake, or adding chrome tins to it, and get it all sealed up again. Also while you have it out, write down the casting numbers on the block and heads for future reference.

[big bear]

i agree...yank it out, re seal it, clean it up ect..  if thats not an option, well,  start taking things apart and cleaning them up.  degreasers ect..

[DustyRusty]

Rather than spend a lot of effort yanking it out, I would first take it to the local car wash and hose off the engine and trans.  Then you can observe first hand where the leaks are coming from and how severe they are.  Then you can decide on a course of action which may or may not include pulling the engine.  Sometimes you can get away with a gentle tightening of the valve cover bolts and the pan bolts if that's where the leaks are.

Rusty

[bake74]

Rather than spend a lot of effort yanking it out, I would first take it to the local car wash and hose off the engine and trans.  Then you can observe first hand where the leaks are coming from and how severe they are.  Then you can decide on a course of action which may or may not include pulling the engine.  Sometimes you can get away with a gentle tightening of the valve cover bolts and the pan bolts if that's where the leaks are.

Rusty

     I think this is what he was asking, wash down and see where it leaks.  Then pull it out if necessary and repair.