Hey Folks,

Its been a while since I have been on the forum. Did a lot of research about a year ago as I was replacing the engine in my 94 2wd 22re truck. Now I am back.

Spent yesterday repairing what I thought was an oil pan leak. When I finished the job this morning, I fired it off and it is leaking from what appears to be the exact same area. Must not be the pan.

Help me here, in my earlier research, maybe my mind is a little shakey but, if I recall, isn't there a manufacturing flaw in the front right corner of the block where the a/c bracket bolts on. The mounting bolt may go all the way though the block right AT the inside corner? I think I remember reading this or am Ithinking of something else.

 

Clean it off real good then drive it around to find the leak. Maybe post a picture of the area to see if someone can identify it.

 

One thing I like using in finding oil leaks is using UV dye in the oil system. Once you clean the affected area, use the black light and the glasses in the kit to see exactly where the oil leak is occuring.

Some have used talcum powder to trace down oil leaks.

 

Sorry can't help with the direct question about the mounting hole being too deep.

Just wanted to add it's not unheard of for the pan to be damaged/warped. They tend to get dings or get tightened improperly.

You can verify if it's coming from above the pan by getting it clean, if it's comeing from above it should be apparent.

 

Clean it. Well.

You'll never find a leak on a dirty engine. Gravity is not your friend; every leak, everywhere, will make it to the bottom and look like a leaking pan (or rear seal).

Get some spray-on engine cleaner and a garden hose. Use a brush to get off the real crud; it won't help you find the leak. When the engine is clean enough to eat from, you'll find the leak in just a few minutes.

And I put my nickel on a leaking valve cover gasket!

 

I see they "Just hose it off" recommendation alot and usualy just cringe and walk away, but since I was kindly corrected one another post I'll chime in.

Please don't put a hose inside the engine compartment. They put splash guards on cars for a reason, eg when they started going all electric everything. You'll just get water where it's not ment to be.

Using a rag on the mating joints is sufficient, usually. If you have alot of caked on dust and oil build up move to a wire brush and handfull of rags. Your electrical system will love you for it.