[DeTomaso] Pandora: It's deja vu all over again...

[Christopher Kimball]

I guess I'll find out eventually if the engine has to come out again.  The leak is small, and I'm hoping I can leave it be for a few years.

Sincerely,

Chris



> Date: Wed, 26 Aug 2009 14:55:51 -0500
> From: thedrol at pobox.com
> To: chrisvkimball at msn.com
> CC: detomaso at realbig.com
> Subject: Re: [DeTomaso] Pandora:  It's deja vu all over again...
> 
> I feel your pain and I am reluctant to perhaps add to it, but knowledge 
> is power.
> 
> If you have a 10-quart oil pan it isn't likely that you will be able to 
> drop the pan once you change the cross member to a removable one.  I 
> found that there just isn't space between the frame rails, shift linkage 
> and hoses to get the 10 quart pan out unless you've modified the windage 
> tray appropriately.  It may be possible if you remove more stuff.  Its 
> been too long since I installed my 10 quart pan while the engine was in 
> the car to remember what interferes with it.
> 
> Paul
> #9270
> 
> Christopher Kimball wrote:
> > Most of you know my sad tale of the new engine that leaked oil and the 3-month, mechanic nightmare that ensued.
> > 
> > The mechanic and the engine builder never could find the oil leak, but the engine builder replaced all the seals anyway (according to him).
> > 
> > Today, I went under the car to re-tighten the header bolts and exhaust/muffler gaskets, and guess what I found.
> > 
> > You guessed it--another oil leak in exactly the same place as the last one.  Actually, it appears as if the leak may be a little smaller (for now, at least) dripping only about two drops over two or three days following a spirited drive, and the oil also appears to only be on the engine side of the inspection plate, not the transmission side.  If I remember correctly, that makes it a little less dire.
> > 
> > To say I'm frustrated is an understatement, and there is no way I'm going back to the engine builder again (if he saw me coming he'd probably hang himself!)
> > 
> > The thought of pulling the engine again is also ultimately depressing, so I think I'll just drive it for a while and pretend I didn't see the leak.  A good friend is planing on building a removable chassis brace that will replace the cross-member that currently prevents the pan from being removed and makes changing the main seal impossible.  If I can convince him to make me one, too, then I'll have someone look at the seal with the engine still in the car.
> > 
> > The reason I'm writing this is solely for catharsis and empathy.
> > 
> > Sincerely,
> > 
> > Chris
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