Technical Why didn't I think of that?

I keep a piece of cardboard under my '51 to catch the drips. I don't think it leaks oil because of gaskets and seals.... I think it's like a young puppy that has no control when I pay attention to it.

 

Old mechanic showed me probably 35 years ago-persistent rear main seal leak problem solver.Remove flywheel cover,clean and dry.Spray inside with Hi-Tack let sit for a minute,dump in Speedy Dry/cat litter,dump out excess and reinstall.Change out speedy dry at every oil change.

 

This car has factory manifolds and welded exhaust pipes that are at least 12" away from the "diaper". No chance of the exhaust igniting that. I would have to drive through fire. I can definitely see how open headers would be a problem, however.

 

Old Harleys leak because they're supposed to. Oils the chain. You can limit it but can't stop it, the oil comes from the lubes system breather hose. I guess you could use an O-ring chain, then get the smallest valve cover breather filter to catch it since the chain wouldn't need regular drips any longer. I just let mine drip a little. Face it, whether it be old bikes or old cars they're just a few steps ahead of old farm implements.

 

I use cardboard to catch oil leaks, lay cardboard under car when working underneath makes it easier to slide back and forth underneath, use it to make templates and make a small paint booth for spray can painting small parts

 

Rather than cardboard, I use thin plywood. It stays in place better, and absorbs drips fine, it just takes a bit longer.

When it gets too oily I just cut it up for fire starter.

 

The jetaway transmission in my 57 Caddy has always had a small leak from the flywheel housing, I have resealed it and the Tauris cover and gone as far as to put new bushings in the front of the transmission and still it persists. It doesn't leak when running and driving but park it and drip, drip, I finally gave up and put a pile of oil dry under it.

 

On my leaky cars I put a s**** of carpet under them to soak up the mess. It's surprising how much oil a carpet s**** will hold and it won't look as messy as a pile of oil dry