Leaking Oil Pump; 1969 Eldorado

[hornetball]

My recollection is that the oil pump surface is a bit hard to reach to check for flatness with the engine in the car.  But you should be able to run a razor blade over the surface and detect any obvious surface imperfections.

I would follow the FSM instructions to the letter.  If they say that one of the bolts should be tightened first, then that is critical.

I also remember that the bolts are different lengths, so be sure the right bolt is going into the right hole.

I would tighten in steps using the pattern recommended by the FSM.  Treat it like tightening head bolts with a good torque wrench.  Chase the threads on both the block and bolts.  If the block holes are blind (I think they all are), blow them out with some compressed air.  Brake cleaner on both surfaces to get them spotless.

Personally, I like to only use a gasket.  RTV is just mess to clean up later.  If you want to use RTV, make sure it is the oil-resistant type (should be black or gray).

Please report back what you find.  The other comment about having a leak from another place is a good one.  You would be amazed at how oil can travel.  The only foolproof way I've found of tracing oil leaks is to clean meticulously and then use oil dye and a short runtime with no car movement (just enough to get some oil to start weeping) prior to a close inspection with a black light.

[Loveofclassics78]

Good afternoon everyone!

My issue is now fixed! This is what I did..

When I took the leaking pump off the last time, I noticed there were two areas that had MINUTE scraps of gasket.  I believe I saw them before hand, but they were so, so, small, that I didn't think that there was anyway they could be the culprit.  So I went to the local hardware store and bought a gasket scraper.  Taking my time, I gently scraped these last parts away.  I then got my dremel and used a small wire brush to clean up any remaining parts.  I then cleaned both areas thoroughly with brake cleaner.  I must have wiped it a million times. LOL. The surface was shining like brand new.

I also bought new bolts, just in case.  I went to my parts catalog, found the sizes, then matched those up by shopping online.  Installed the oil pump with the gasket dry, new bolts, fired it up and no leaks!

Moral of the story to this task is: The oil pump surface has to absolutely, frickin' spotless!  That's the only way it will seal. That was probably the main issue, but new bolts didn't hurt.

Thanks for all the assistance.  On to the next step.  I should be on the road by the spring!

[hornetball]

Fantastic.  Thanks for the report.

[Cadman-iac]

I'm glad you got the problem fixed finally. I didn't see your post until a few minutes ago so I wasn't able to comment before you attempted the repair.
However,  just FYI, the reason you do not want to use any RTV sealer on an oil pump is because you can't control where it will ooze out of, or worse,  ooze into.
If it should get squeezed into the pump itself,  you could end up causing a serious problem.  You could possibly have a plugged oil galley,  or a lifter that stops oiling.  And the lifters are what meters the oil to the rockers.
There's also your cam and crank bearings that could be damaged by either not enough or no oil at all to a given location, depending on how much sealer gets pumped into the engine and where it goes.
You wouldn't know it's even gotten in there until you have a problem either.

Anyway,  no harm done,  and problem solved. Good job!
Rick