How leaky are new FE blocks?

[Dons427]

Originally Posted by patrickt

I have spent the last five years finding and fixing oil leaks on my FE. It has never really leaked much -- a few drips really. No matter where the origin of the leak was, it always trailed to the back of the block and dripped down from there on to the block plate and down -- I think all FE oil leaks try and look like a rear seal leak. I leaked from the intake manifold, the valve covers, the "spot" where the IM, head, and vavle cover all converges, and that little plate that goes over the hole on the back of the IM where the breather would go, if I had one. I leaked from other places too, I just can't remember them now. What makes it so difficult is that the leaks were "misting leaks," but they add up and eventually cause a drip. But after five years my car can now be run hard and put away and not drip a drop for weeks or even months (my last drip was about two months ago). It can be done... it just takes time.

I have owned 2 428 FE's in the past 5 years and I live in the northeast.
I always get a coolant leak in the area of the water pump.
It has to do with the cold temps.
Royal Pain in the A__
The leaks do not need to be fixed.
Usually just spring temps fis it.