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Sat Jul 07, 2012 11:52 am

First the relevant specs: New build 2276cc, Type 1 AS41 dual relief case machined for 94 x 82 stroker, crankcase breather box, VZ-25 cam, 1.1 rockers, Schadek HD 26mm oil pump, DRD L5 heads with 40 x 35 valves and double springs, dual 44 IDF Webers, DTM fan shroud.

Now the problem: Large oil leak apparently comming from the pulley area (has a degreed aftermarket pulley). I have a Depo Racing oil pressure gauge installed with a VDO sending unit. The pressure at 2,500 rpm reads 50 to 60 psi. When at idle it goes down to around 10-20 psi. Also, I have a Depo Racing oil temp gauge. It is reading 180-200 when cruising even when the outside temp is 98 degrees !!

Any suggestions on how to fix the oil leak or what to look for?

Thanks !

Sat Jul 07, 2012 12:08 pm

What did you use to seal case halves?
Did you measure OD of pulley where it slips in case?
Did you measure ID of case where pulley slips in?
If case is worn oversize where pulley slips in there will be to much clearance for oil return on pulley to work.
Using to much sealant can get into oil return slot between #4 brg and end of case causing oil to come out around pulley.
No vent on oil filler or case to vent box can also cause problem.
Fixes can be reventing correctly, installing pulley seal to disassemble engine and cleaning out oil return.

Sat Jul 07, 2012 12:32 pm

Jsturtlebuggy .. I did not do the build ... but I called my mechanic and he said he uses Gaskacinch for case assembly, gas pump gasket, gen stand, etc. Since this was a not a "new" build (long ... very long story ...) he only took the engine apart, replaced the mail bearing on the flywheel end with the proper size one, replaced the heads with new DR L5’s I purchased. He did not measure the OD or ID. You might be on the right track with the clearance part since the original build was most likely compromised (long ... very long story ...... )

Sat Jul 07, 2012 12:50 pm

Having loose bearings can allow the pulley oil grooves to eat into the case and open up the clearance.
Simplest fix is to install a press in seal kit and sand seal pulley if it is a clearance problem.
I prefer the machine in pulley seal, but it not always the cheapest or fastest way to do it. I bought the pulley seal tool that Gene Berg still sells back in the 1970s for machining case while it is together. It works great and has more than paid for it self over the years.
There are many threads on this site about installing the press in seal kits.
With the press in seal kit you do have to space out the pulley on some of kits and you may have to space out the gen/alt pulley to keep the two pulleys align.
I really hope your oil leak is a simple fix for you.

Sat Jul 07, 2012 2:11 pm

Good advise ... I will definitely look into replacing the current part with a press in seal kit and sand seal pulley. Do you have any suggestions on which one to get?
Now... what do you think about the oil pressure? Is it high or normal?

Thanks !

Sat Jul 07, 2012 3:43 pm

I cannot make a recomandation for a slip in sand seal kit as I never installed one. I only removed them and use my tool to install a machine seal.
There as been much written in threads on this site about the different kits available.
I sure some one will chime in soon on what works for them.
What I do know is you need to use a good glue to hold seal retainer in place to keep it from spinning in case.

Now for oil pressure, what oil are you using?
There is a major debate on going in the sticky area above these post, if you have the time it a good read.
I not familiar with your gauge brand, and is it compatable with VDO sensors?
10psi to every 1,000RPM is normal to a point.
Having more pressure when cold could be the weight of oil or having the aftermarket heavy duty springs for the oil relief valves.
Also have you check your guage against a mechanical gauge to see if it ready the same?