1980 Cutlass LS Oil Leaks

JUSTJUNMC

MEMBER
1980 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS
V8
AUTOMATIC

Hi, I do not have a jack, with the exception of tire stuff that came with the car. What is the best method to check where the leak is coming from?

the engine is a 305 5.0L and so far I have only come to the conclusion that it is close to the grill and radiator, just about dead center in a spot close to what is stated.

Also, I dont mind donating money to the website, so please help and I promise to hit yall off.

8 Replies

MHPAUTOS

MECHANIC
31,937 POSTS

Trolley jacks are fairly cheap as are safety stands, but you can also get ramps or just drive two wheels up on the gutter and set the hand brake and that should give you a little extra clearance.

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Saturday, August 13th, 2011 AT 6:41 AM

JUSTJUNMC

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Thanks so much MHPAUTOS - much love from Canada

What kind of ramps you recommend?

I actually thought about that before, and was thinking of building my own, unless there was a good spot to grab one.

Also what do you mean by drive on the gutter?

Another idea I came up with is perhaps taking the front bumper, fenders, and grill off to get at the engine. Is this a good idea or too much work?

Whats a good engine cleaner you recommend? The car is really old, and I bought it to restore (its my first project) and there is alot of black stuff on the outside of the engine

attach pics later

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Saturday, August 13th, 2011 AT 4:46 PM

MHPAUTOS

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31,937 POSTS

I think you call the gutter a curb over there, pulling all the bodywork off is a big job, if it is a restoration go and invest in a trolley jack and some stands, you will not regret it and they will be very useful long after this job is done.

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Sunday, August 14th, 2011 AT 12:03 AM

JUSTJUNMC

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4 POSTS

I see. You are from Australia? Okay I see Gutter = Curb

yes I think I will get some stands. They kind of sketch me out, as I prefer the motorized jack

have u done resto'z before?

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Sunday, August 14th, 2011 AT 2:16 AM

MHPAUTOS

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Yes I do restoration's as part of my business and also for my self, just now I am doing a 70 VW super bug for my step daughter and I have a 61 triumph spitfire and a 48 land rover I am doing for myself and a MGB for my partner all this just at home. Lol ohh and a Nissan civilian bus we are converting into a motor home.