Starter Motor Covered in Oil...

[Bullet4x4]

Hey Everyone,

It was one of those mornings when you think uh-oh, what's that spot in the driveway? I initially thought it was condensation, but decided to check after getting to work. I noticed alot of oil on the starter motor, at least it was just on the starter motor's side. I couldn't see much behind the motor and the exhaust. What could have caused this? I checked for any leaks topside, but couldn't spot a drop. Just got this 88' K5 last week, so I'm still trying to learn everything, any tips would be greatly appreciated.

FYI: The truck started right up this morning and all the gauges looked good on the ride to work.

 

[wayne]

Valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, or intake gasket. Probably the valve cover leaking at the back.

 

[Chevy305]

ya sounds like valve covers to me

 

[Bullet4x4]

Interestingly enough, I just checked the ground underneath the truck during lunch, and there wasn't any oil on the ground. My driveway is on a decent incline, I wonder if that would have anything to do with the leak. Granted, it shouldn't leak at all. I'll have a better look at those valve covers tonight after work. Thanks again gentlemen.

 

[Bullet4x4]

A closer inspection revealed a very small leak from the right valve cover, and some oil along the oil pan gaskets. There is some residual oil on the oil pan, front drive shaft, as well as the starter motor. The heaviest concentration is on the starter motor. I'm willin to do the valve cover gaskets, but aren't sure how difficult it is to do the main oil pan. Time to hit the manual I just picked up...

 

[wayne]

Do the valve cover first and then clean the engine. You might find it was just the cover.

 

[GNERGY]

And usually the oil pan gasket doesn't leak, it is the front or rear main seal.
Tarey

 

[Bullet4x4]

Sometimes its funny how problems come in two's... I checked my truck a couple hours after I got home to notice that the actual leak on my pavement this morning was from my drivers side rear drum assembly. From what I've read, I must have a bad wheel cylinder. That would also explain the soft brake pedal.


As I mentioned earlier, I have an inclined driveway, so I set my parking Brake, which apparently causes that cylinder to leak. At work, there was not a drop of fluid on the ground.

Never worked on a drum before, this should be interesting...

Thanks again everyone for your suggestions.