Chasing a leak

[spdbrake]

Originally Posted by rodneym

Two questions for you (with my answers):

1. How much money (and trouble) have you spent chasing a leak?

Answer: I have a CSX block, Twin Paxton FE engine by Tom Lucas of FE Specialties (about 8k miles on the engine/11.5k on the KMP). Over the years I've solved some slow seaps. I found out that I DO NOT have a rear main leak. I DO NOT have a VC leak. I have a Kirkham billet oil pan witn an o-ring gasket that would get a little oily after a couple drives. I assumed (wrong) that it wasn't sealing. Recently I did a very thorough clean up, used the flourescent die and found the leak. it was coming from the remote oil block adapter on the side of the engine. The problem was that the holes on the block are a tiny bit oversized for the Kirkkam adapter. The Kirkham adapter is a beautiful piece that also uses o-rings to seal, but my CSX block has abnormally large flanged holes (CSX block/Kirkham adapter owners speak up with your experiences - maybe it's just mine). Anyways, the Shelby remote adapter appears to be a perfect fit (I made an impression on thick paper, X-Acto cut the holes and verified with the adapter, and custom cut a gasket), it's billet as well but not engineered like Kirkham. At any rate, the adpater is taller, plus I have to use NPT fittings with made it extra tall. So new oil lines and AN fittings! Yes, it's that tight with my setup. I have roughly $500 in this minor leak fix and...I didn't want to ruin my day by starting it up and possibly not having it fixed. Maybe tomorrow, definately Sunday.

2. Have you ever spent a bunch of time for "the fix", only to hold off the test because you didn't want to ruin your day after all that work?

Answer: YES

First of all congratz for being self-sufficient and troubleshooting your car yourself. It does sound like you've found the issue on the filter pick-off adapter.

Yes I've had Helicopters, Jets, Turboprops, Cars ,Trucks, Bulldozers, excavators, Backhoes, and several other types kick my arse while T/S a leak. But T/S (troubleshooting is really fault isolation) and usually involves removing the obvious items 1st and working to the middle. You'll always fix it, but you have to stay at it.

No, I never wait to check it later. Mainly because the customer wants to leave , but also to put my mind at ease. I don't like loose ends. Lastly if you're right and its fixed you'll have a great day.