Oil leak question

dman · Post by **dman** » Sat Jun 14, 2008 4:45 pm

I had my M37 on a trailer and the nose was down for about 30 minutes I notied engine oil dripping from the front area of the engine. I cannot see exactly where it is coming from. Once I got the truck back on level ground it stopped. I have not had any oil leaks of any kind until i put it nose down on a hill. Any thoughts are appreciated.

Lifer · Post by **Lifer** » Sat Jun 14, 2008 6:49 pm

Sounds liike your front oil pan gasket has sprung a leak.

dman · Post by **dman** » Sun Jun 15, 2008 4:00 am

On a 53 M37 is this a NAPA item? Where can I find one? Does anyone have a NAPA part number?

Thanks

Lifer · Post by **Lifer** » Sun Jun 15, 2008 7:02 am

I don't know if it's available separately or whether you'd have to get the complete pan gasket set, but NAPA does carry the set. You'll have to drop the pan to replace it, so the complete set would probably be a good idea. They don't cost an arm and a leg. (I'm not a real big fan of reinstalling used gaskets.)

Edit: Of course, you could leave it as is for a while and just make sure you don't park on a downhill grade.

MSeriesRebuild · Post by **MSeriesRebuild** » Sun Jun 15, 2008 10:15 am

The smart move is to find the leak source 1st. It could just as easily be the front crank seal in the timing gear cover or the cover or back plate gaskets. No need in spending money until you know the exact source for sure. Timing cover seal, gasket kit & oil pan gaskets are available separte from the full set. What you need to do is thoroughly clean the area around the suspected leak source, put the truck back into the position that the leak occurred while doing a close visual inspection to pin point the source. Then obtain the appropriate items needed to repair it.

Lifer · Post by **Lifer** » Sun Jun 15, 2008 1:29 pm

Good advice, Charles.

It always helps to pinpoint the problem before trying to correct it.