Exhaust Cam Box Tower oil leak

[70spider]

I just recently completed my rebuild and have taken him out for a couple of drives. At first I had to deal with an electric issue and solved it, for now, but developed a recurring exhaust cam box tower oil leak. The leak starts around the first stud by the exhaust manifold. It definitely is caused by a lack of the cam box tower sealing and not the exhaust manifold stud. I experienced this before when I replaced the exhaust cam and never found a solution before the head gasket gave out. Could the cam box tower be warped? I used the best gasket possible (AutoRicambi) and cleaned the heck out of the mating surface before assembling. I did the same procedure on the intake side with great results. Should I drive it a bit and see if it seals or just replace it with another exhaust box cam tower, lots of work .

[DRUMMOND]

Did you retorque your bolts after a few engine usage cycles? Worth a shot
I guess if that doesn't work then you need to check for warpage

[70spider]

I did re-torque, but all was good nothing loosened. I have replaced the tower before while the motor was in the car, a serious pita. I have a newer cam box tower with the distributor opening so I will have to make a block off plate. I will drive him around for short runs just to get the rings to fully seal before I dig into him again. Thanks.

[kilrwail]

Check the oil filler gasket - they are prone to leaking when they're old and brittle. It looks like a cam box gasket leak. If your cam box is really leaking, you can try to flatten any warpage by taping a piece of coarse sandpaper (i.e. 80 grit), to a sheet of glass and sliding the cover over it many times. Check it often with a good straight edge as you go.

[70spider]

The oil filler gasket is new with no leak there, also I had a cam seal leak before but there is no oil on the cam gear this time. So it looks like a chore ahead of me. I have a really good condition cam box tower from a 1608. I didn't use it originally as to keep the 1438 stock look, without the distributor provision. It looks like my vanity has bit me in the again. Well I'll tackle the the job next week end, waiting on a new gasket. Thanks.

[blazingspider]

I have a few 1438 exhaust cam boxes. PM me if you're interested in getting one.