95k miles on the block, leaking, noisy lifters

[Garrick2007]

Over the summer I swapped the block with a 95k mile one, the head was rebuilt in 2010 so I just reused it. The car has been running great since then put about 5-6k miles on it so far but IÂ’m having a few issues. I canÂ’t get it to stop leaking oil, I started of with 20-50 and it leaked like hell out of many areas of the oil pan like 5 possibly more... these donÂ’t seem like regular leaks usually leaks happen out of one area maybe 2, was also leaking out of the oil filter housing where it mates on the block, the leak is also worse on start up, IÂ’d see fresh oil actually come out soon as the car turned over then just about stop once warm. I came to the conclusion that the oil was possibly too thick so I went to 10-40... the leaking has subsided a lot but it stilll leaks. The car also stalls if not properly warmed up and even worse now in the winter 45-50F also indicating maybe the oil is still too thick... itÂ’s a lower mileage engine some what, what do you guys think? Could it possibly be the oil pressure regulator? Looking to install a oil pressure gauge soon so at least IÂ’ll know more whatÂ’s going on, canÂ’t find one to rent to check it. I also canÂ’t get this tick out of my valve train ether, itÂ’s silent usually on startup but gets to ticking once hot, tried adjusting many times. Appreciate the help!

[Garrick2007]

Any help is appreciated

[e30davie]

If its leaking where its not supposed to changing oil viscocity wont fix it. have you pulled off the oil filter doovey and changed the seal?

[Andre3127]

Noisy lifters? M20's don't have lifters, guy.

[Garrick2007]

Noisy lifters? M20's don't have lifters, guy.

rockers*

[Garrick2007]

If its leaking where its not supposed to changing oil viscocity wont fix it. have you pulled off the oil filter doovey and changed the seal?

Not yet will give that a try forsure in the next month or so, I’ve just been trying to check out other possible causes before dropping that and the pan. The way it’s leaking is just very od to me. That and the way I can hardly get out of nutural when the engine is cold.... I’m only talking about 45-50F outside temps, running 10-40w.

[jeffnhiscars]

Just a wild guess....did you use a cork pan gasket ?

[Garrick2007]

Just a wild guess....did you use a cork pan gasket ?

I read the paper ones were better the one i have is green, originally i bought a cork version but ended up not using it. I also put great rtv on the corners of the pan.... I did this all before a year ago and had no issues so this is weird.

[TobyB]

Did you try retightening it, gently? I find the oil pan bolts can loosen slightly.
And your description of it leaking less as it warms would follow that.

Otherwise, you just solve each leak as you find it- these cars can be made almost
leak- free, but it takes work.

As to your ticking valves, you may find you need new eccentrics. If they don't
get adjusted regularly, they get flats on them, and can be noisy.

t