Pain in the butt oil leak

[Mike Bernard]

I have this very small oil leak on the right rear cylinder intake flange of my 62 pa-24-250.Its not the pushrod tube or the drain back elbow.I was wondering if it the flange bolt is a through hole into the rocker area?

[N3322G]

Mike,

Welcome to the Forum as I see this is your first post here.

1st - thanks for the humor in the title - we've all been there.

2nd - I'm assuming you've verified it is oil. The reason I state it that way is at the CTPT Service Clinic at Clifton TX a couple of weeks ago, I got a new version of the Twin Inspection Report List by Piper. One of the notes on the back was regarding discoloration and the fact that it could be thread lubricant used during manufacture or overhaul. Thought I'd at least mention this possibility.

Other than that, I'm hoping either someone else posts their opinion or perhaps the Lycoming website might be of use to you. They gave me a CD when they spoke at Clifton but I have yet to read/watch it.

[Mike Bernard]

Pat,
It is oil. If I don't wipe it off it will run down the intake tube.Its not really making any mess but it concerns me more than my A&P(though he hasn't seen it).

[Steve Marcozzi]

Mike,

You've probably solved it by now, but I think you're talking about the intake tube gasket. Sometimes oil will leak down from the cylinders and soak them causing them to seep.....assuming the bolts aren't loose. I just replaced one of mine in the same place (180HP) and will replace the rest of them when the cowl comes off this winter for regular maintenance.

The gaskets can be replaced pretty easily curing the leak.

Steve