350 leak

[PlayingWithTBI]

Would replacing a distributor gasket require removing the distributor and having to set my ignition timing again?

Not really, when pulling the distributor, take the cap off and watch the rotor, it will turn a few degrees counter clockwise. while lifting it. Pay attention to where it is when it comes free from the cam gear. Once you change the distributor gasket, stab it back in at the same degree relative to the front of the engine. You'll have a good idea if it doesn't drop in place easily, meaning the oil pump rod isn't aligned with it.

 

[eXo0us]

Just get a white pen and mark the distributor position on the intake. Take the cap of and mark the runner position. With those two marks you can get it back together without a scan tool.

Mine had a leaking intake on the china wall dripping down oil on the starter like yours did.

I got one of those small mirrors on a stick. Very helpful . Otherwise get your phone back there and take a few pictures of the china wall to intake connection. There is also the oil sending unit and the distributor. 3 things which may leak oil close together

 

[evilunclegrimace]

Would replacing a distributor gasket require removing the distributor and having to set my ignition timing again?

yes

 

[Erik the Awful]

Everyone always goes straight to the worst case... rear main seal.

In all fairness, upgrading to the one-piece rear main seal was the best thing Chevy ever did for these motors. Back in the day it was always the rear main seal.

 

[JPVortex]

Heres the update video, while it's a bit wet in the area of the distributor seal and pressure sender, I dont think that its wet enough to be my leak.

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[eXo0us]

Heres the update video, while it's a bit wet in the area of the distributor seal and pressure sender, I dont think that its wet enough to be my leak.

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you need to get your phone further down. Hard to see, but definitely wet there.

A China wall Oil leak will only start leaking when you drive - it won't do anything will idling. Warm oil runs pretty well - so by the time you stop -everything will already have run down the Bell housing.

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Get one of those mirrors a flashlight and see where the oil comes from back there.

I mean it's your choice - you can just start simple and get the pressure sender replaced and a new distributor gasket. Something is leaking there.
If that doesn't fix it - probably intake gaskets.

Only as last resort I would be going to pull the transmission to do the rear main seal.

 

[Schurkey]

Would replacing a distributor gasket require removing the distributor and having to set my ignition timing again?

yes

^^^ What he said.

You can make paint-marks, and try to be careful...but if you want it CONFIRMED to be done right, you'll put a timing light on it when you're done changing parts and replacing gaskets.

 

[JPVortex]

you need to get your phone further down. Hard to see, but definitely wet there.

A China wall Oil leak will only start leaking when you drive - it won't do anything will idling. Warm oil runs pretty well - so by the time you stop -everything will already have run down the Bell housing.

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Get one of those mirrors a flashlight and see where the oil comes from back there.

I mean it's your choice - you can just start simple and get the pressure sender replaced and a new distributor gasket. Something is leaking there.
If that doesn't fix it - probably intake gaskets.

Only as last resort I would be going to pull the transmission to do the rear main seal.

Yeah it's probably a good idea, just replace those 3 gaskets and see what happens first.

 

[JPVortex]

Ok yeah I'm def going to replace those gaskets first, even if its not the big leak its still a problem.

What exactly do you mean by a china wall oil leak? Do you just mean the intake manifold gaskets? You got a pic of the part?

 

[evilunclegrimace]

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The metal sections between the cylinder head decks are what is refered to as the "china wall"