Can't locate oil leak - not the distributor seal...

[moparrob]

I just bought a 1978 124 Spider which is in great shape but was sitting for 8 years. Unfortunately it has a pretty significant oil leak from the right (passenger) side of the engine that is dripping onto the exhaust pipe and causing a lot of smoke and a puddle on the ground. Otherwise the car is excellent.

When the car is sitting it does not leak. Upon start up it immediately starts dripping oil on the right side of the engine and it trickles onto the exhaust pipe.

I originally assumed the leak was from the cam cover gasket. However, I degreased the engine and inspected the covers but they appear to be dry. Then I thought it might be the distributor seal but I pulled the distributor and cleaned it and confirmed there is no oil is coming from the vent holes.

The leak seems to be from a position rearward of the distributor and a little lower possibly. Any ideas on what to check next?


Thanks.

Rob

[azruss]

not many choices above the manifold. dizzy, cam cover or lower cam tower seal. you've eliminated 2 of them.

[fiatfactory]

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[wizard124]

I believe it s the #2 and 4 exhaust studs that can leak. Inspect. If one is leaking, the stud will probably unscrew rather than the nut. Clean and add sealant.

Maybe tighten the cam box.

[moparrob]

Thanks for all of the replies. They sound like good leads and I will try to check it out over the weekend.

Rob