Technical Y Block Oil Leak

Interesting new oil leak on my 292 YBlock.

Doesn’t leak when sitting.
When I first start the engine it drips pretty good for about 5-10min until warmed up.
Once warmed up it stops dripping.

I’m assuming something swells up and stops the leaking.

The leak is on the drivers side, where the oil pump, oil filter and pressure gauge feed are.

Difficult to locate since everything has oil on it now.

 

Wash down really well
Spray crack check developer on area
while watching, have someone start the engine

 

I would bet it’s the pipe seal that feeds the pump. If you can get it in the air, there is an adjusting nut that squeezes the rubber seal into the pump case to the feed pipe. It takes a 1-1/8” open end and I use a thin wrench I ground from a full size. If the nut is up against the case with no adjustment left it will need to be replaced.
The pump or oil pan needs to be removed to do this.. I have done this job 3-4 times with the car up on 8” blocks under the tires. Stock Power Steering lines and control valve will make you sound like a “sailor” at times. If you need to remove the pump one bolt is easier from the top with a long extension and a swivel socket…good luck.

 

Jimmy could be right, but that’s the suction side. Every time I had it leak there I lost oil pressure as the pan level went down and the oil warmed up. But leaks in and around the pump aren’t uncommon. Or from the filter plate or canister above the pump. PITA, but normally a simple fix when you find it

Sometimes the valley pan will leak down that way, but not with your symptoms.

 

I replaced the feed line for the gauge last year so I’ll start with that as it’s the most likely culprit.
Last year I had a bad oil filter gasket, but I haven’t changed the filter so I doubt that’s the problem.

oil pump is a possibility but not likely to match those symptoms.

 

Canister or spin on filter?

 

Spin on filter

 

I'm just glad to hear that it is possible to have a y-block that doesn't leak. I am rebuilding one now and had low hopes for that after hearing lots of folks say that they just leak...

 

The gasket between the block and spin on adapter may be the source of the leak, some of the adapters are rather flimsy affaires
The gaskets available now are completely useless, the modern “silicone rubber” will not stay in place no matter how or what you do

 

When replaced mine it was told to find an original and not after market.

 

Had to find a ford adapter myself, after 5 failed attempts to make the one I had work

 

Lots of 70 year olds drip alittle overnight

 

I siliconed the adapter to the block because the gasket was obviously useless,

 

Last night I replaced the fitting for the oil pressure gauge feed line, the one I removed didn’t have any tape on it so I’m hoping that was the leak.

I also managed to get about 1/4 turn on the oil pump tube.
Now all I need is above freezing so I can open the door and fire it up.

 

There like a old Harley engine leaks oil and sounds great.

 

My Dad was a Ford man. Every field truck and log truck we had was either a 292 or a 223six. I never knew they didn’t leak. My Dad always said two things.
1. It wont rust.
2. If it’s not leaking check it. It needs some.
All jokes aside they may have that tendency but as long as you didn’t have rocker oiling problems I never saw one that wouldn’t run and pull one hell of a load. And my Dad didn’t stop loading one until the tires were half flat.

 

Solved my oil leak. Feeling dumb for leaving a fitting loose.