I rebuilt the 4.2 engine in 1985, having re-bored, new pistons, head rebuilt, etc. After finding major rust problems the project was delayed because of time money &family. Now retired the project was complete, 21yrs later.I was happy with the performance but noticed oil leaks at the front & rear seals.A local fellow familiar with British cars said " They leaked when they were new". I can't believe they leaked that bad.Also the engine smokes badly when down-shifting or going downhill.I suspect that the seals have dried out & will have to be replaced.I just wanted to get a second opinion before I proceed.

68 E-Type 2+2

Submitted by pepe01@localnet.com on Mon, 03/26/2007 - 21:04

68 E-Type 2+2

Thanks for your opinion, Richard. Do you know of a tool to depress the valve spring enough to change the valve seal while holding air pressure in the cylinder? I've done it on a pushrod engine but never on an overhead cam.

Submitted by redixon@tampab… on Fri, 03/16/2007 - 06:41

The seals will take on a set if not in use for a long period of time, and if the rear crankshaft oil seal is not lubricated during startup it will be damaged very quickly. The engines did have a controlled weep, all seals do to a degree, a Rolls-Royce had a controlled weep for lubrication, but not a puddle on the floor, a drip after hard long use. The seals are a good candidate for the leak, also compression blow-by may also be forcing oil out of the seals, but after 20+ years of rest I, without looking a the subject would suspect that you a correct.