How leaky are new FE blocks?

[Dimis]

Ok it stands to reason that most 50 year old blocks are going to be prone to leaking. But my question is how leaky is/are the new FE blocks on offer from the 3 major suppliers?
Ie: Shelby, Pond, & Genesis

Surly a new alu or iron fe can be built to be leak proof. No?
Or am I to believe that even to this day, this is not possible?

Fe guys share your experiences.

Thx

[ERA Chas]

Don't confuse 'leaking' with porosity. ANY FE (original or new) needs the correct assembly procedures and latest gasket and RTV technology and it will NOT leak. I can't speak for porosity issues in the 3 mentioned but have not experienced nor learned of any in original blocks. I had seen where some Dove blocks and heads had oil porosity issues in the past.
Careful assembly in the rear main cap area, pan, intake and head surfaces assures that both types will not leak.
Barry, Keith, Brent and other specialists can give good advice. I'm tired of the wives tales that all FEs must leak. Those that do ignored the best assembly practices.

[blykins]

If not built correctly, an FE (new or old block) can leak in several different spots. The whole engine is a unique design, with the intake making up part of the valve cover flange. If the intake is not perfectly aligned, then you will get a valve cover leak.

If certain intake gaskets are used, then it's possible to get a coolant leak into the heads.

The rear main seal is also a trouble spot as there are two seal halves, along with side seals, since the block is a skirted design. Different windage trays and oil pans can also play havoc here as they block the return in the rear main cap.

All of these things need to be watched carefully upon assembly. Otherwise it's smooth sailing.

[RodKnock]

I don't build engines, but I've owed many.

I'll disagree with my esteemed colleagues. They will all leak. It's just a matter of time.

As the character Red said in Shawshank Redemption: "Geology is the study of pressure and time. That's all it takes really, pressure, and time."

Just substitute "Engine Leaks" for "Geology". Pressure and time. That's all it takes. Poor engine assembly habits just help matters.

[ERA Chas]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

I don't build engines, but I've owed many.

I'll disagree with my esteemed colleagues. They will all leak. It's just a matter of time.

As the character Red said in Shawshank Redemption: "Geology is the study of pressure and time. That's all it takes really, pressure, and time."

Just substitute "Engine Leaks" for "Geology". Pressure and time. That's all it takes. Poor engine assembly habits just help matters.

C'mon pal! You can give better evidence than geology tales.
You've got a 482 Lucas Pond right? Does it leak? Of course you don't know from actually running it-but does it leak while standing immobile for the last 5 years???

[patrickt]

I have spent the last five years finding and fixing oil leaks on my FE. It has never really leaked much -- a few drips really. No matter where the origin of the leak was, it always trailed to the back of the block and dripped down from there on to the block plate and down -- I think all FE oil leaks try and look like a rear seal leak. I leaked from the intake manifold, the valve covers, the "spot" where the IM, head, and vavle cover all converges, and that little plate that goes over the hole on the back of the IM where the breather would go, if I had one. I leaked from other places too, I just can't remember them now. What makes it so difficult is that the leaks were "misting leaks," but they add up and eventually cause a drip. But after five years my car can now be run hard and put away and not drip a drop for weeks or even months (my last drip was about two months ago). It can be done... it just takes time.

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by ERA Chas

C'mon pal! You can give better evidence than geology tales.
You've got a 482 Lucas Pond right? Does it leak? Of course you don't know from actually running it-but does it leak while standing immobile for the last 5 years???

Last time I checked, during the Napoleonic Wars, my engine was not leaking. I have a Shelby aluminum block, why thank you. But then I don't drive my car much.

Heat, pressure, vacuum, gaskets, imperfect mating surfaces, imperfect roads (i.e., potholes), etc. Sounds like a recipe for leaks to me.

Patrick, did you forget your signoff on every post of yours?

".....but then again, what do I know, I have two roll bars."

[ERA Chas]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

I have a Shelby aluminum block, why thank you. But then I don't drive my car much.

Then you need my Shelby aluminum heads to go nowhere even faster...

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

Patrick, did you forget your signoff on every post of yours?

".....but then again, what do I know, I have two roll bars."

No doubt like some of your fondest memories, that was a "one time thing, never to be repeated."

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by patrickt

But after five years my car can now be run hard and put away and not drip a drop for weeks or even months (my last drip was about two months ago). It can be done... it just takes time.

What "can be done"? It still drips, just takes a month or two. Bottom line.....it leaks fluid whether mist or drops.

Anyway, I didn't think 428's could be run hard. No?

Chas, you know what I need. And it ain't Shelby aluminum heads, but it's very lightweight, round, mounted with rubber on it and will turn color with age.

No, not Patrick swinging from a tire swing.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

... and will turn color with age.

No, not Patrick swinging from a tire swing.

Uhhh, I did spend a good bit of time working on my tan this past summer.

[fordracing65]

Dimis, that small block corvette motor is'nt sounding so bad now.

[rodneym]

Corvette motors are awesome.
My mom loves hers.


Dimis,
If the sun doesn't bother you much, or the heat, or the noise, or the lack of Cadillac comfort, I think a couple drops of oil a week (so I've heard) should be ok.

[ERA Chas]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

Chas, you know what I need. And it ain't Shelby aluminum heads, but it's very lightweight, round, mounted with rubber on it and will turn color with age.

Like to help you but ever since Ron told us to "STFU" about them, we can't talk about them...

[rodneym]

Originally Posted by ERA Chas

Like to help you but ever since Ron told us to "STFU" about them, we can't talk about them...

hmmmmm.......'bout that time of year?

Don't worry. I'll spare everybody. But someday I'll have a post with pictures and the title will be "Check out what's in my garage, b*tches!!!!"

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by fordracing65

Dimis, that small block corvette motor is'nt sounding so bad now.

Why not one of those 572R's with 720 HP from Chevrolet? Small block? Pshaw.

Chas, I have no idea what you're talking about. None.

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by rodneym

hmmmmm.......'bout that time of year?

Don't worry. I'll spare everybody. But someday I'll have a post with pictures and the title will be "Check out what's in my garage, b*tches!!!!"

A tanned Patrick with a tire around his waist saying "Where's the beach?"

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

A tanned Patrick with a tire around his waist saying "Where's the beach?"

That shot of the iguana molting that I posted a few weeks back (and labeled it as "ERAChas") I had snapped behind one of my favorite places to eat on the beach this summer. If I had spent more time there I would have indeed developed a "spare tire" around the waist. And to Chas' credit, it made our favorite oyster bar look like a greasy dive....

[4pipes]

I finally stopped ALL my oil leaks. Sealed the engine and drew a couple of inches of vacuum with my external oil pump. Problem solved.

[Dimis]

Originally Posted by blykins

All of these things need to be watched carefully upon assembly. Otherwise it's smooth sailing.

Originally Posted by patrickt

It can be done... it just takes time.

Now this sounds encouraging .
& time I have...

Originally Posted by rodneym

Dimis,
If the sun doesn't bother you much, or the heat, or the noise, or the lack of Cadillac comfort, I think a couple drops of oil a week (so I've heard) should be ok.

Now that's about the most sensible conclusion I've read.

Originally Posted by rodneym

Corvette motors are awesome.
My mom loves hers.

Originally Posted by RodKnock

Why not one of those 572R's with 720 HP from Chevrolet? Small block? Pshaw.

There's little chance of a Chevy in my project, but if it were to sneak in, it could only be the LS7. A modern day 427, its the magic number, and with all the goodies built in it titanium rods, 6 bolts mains, etc... It's undeniably a "practical" & "sensible" option

I just want to know what I'm getting myself in for when my heart wins & I opt for the "unpractical" & "insensible" choice of Alu FE S/O.

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Originally Posted by rodneym

Don't worry. I'll spare everybody. But someday I'll have a post with pictures and the title will be "Check out what's in my garage, b*tches!!!!"

Rodneym - 3 years registered with CC & nearly 700 post later. You have a Kirkham S/O in your details yet still no pics in of your garage
Dude get some photos posted I'm dieing to see whats in that garage.

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Many thanks for everyones input