Oil Leaking from Brass Plug in Block

Hi Folks,

I have a '95 SC. Appranently, all of a sudden (car has never dripped a drop, from new) oil is leaking from a brass plug in the block on the back half (toward back of car) of the engine. I can clearly see the plug and the leak (although so much stuff including exhaust is in the way I can't quite reach it with my hand) and was able to get a 9/16" wrench on it. Near as I can tell, that plug is solid in place, not loose at all.

I'm like 99.999% sure this is the leak. Any ideas? Is the block cracked somehow?

Thanks for any input/advice.

How about a picture?  It may be leaking from the rear valve cover and dripping down.

LARRY70GS wrote:

How about a picture?  It may be leaking from the rear valve cover and dripping down.

I wish I could, but there is no way to get a camera up in where this is coming from (at least I couldn't juggle the camera and the necessary light, and I don't think a usable pix would result). Also, I can see clearly along the whole side of the block above this plug; it's bone dry. I also ran my fingers around the entire length of valve cover.

It really is pretty clear that the oil is coming from this plug. There is a drop forming right at the lower edge/base of the plug, the oil is stained downward and then spreads left and right, exactly from the point of the plug.

I agree, it seems baffling that this should just start out of the blue. I've been working on cars, race cars, tractors and air planes for better than 30 years and have never seen this sort of thing before. I figured the plug must be loose, but it wasn't.

I can't think of any brass plug that screws into the block that would leak oil.

sounds like the oil pressure switch back by the power steering pump.

Only plug would be for coolant expansion and shouldnt leak oil.

Not real familiar with the 95s but a picture or better location description would be good.

I've come to the conclusion (from discussion with an engine builder and looking at the manual) that indeed, the brass plug must be a coolant plug.

My plan is to first reinspect everything, cleaning it all up carefully as I go (brakecleen off everything). Take it for a short drive, reinspect and attempt to take some pictures. I wasn't aware of an oil pressure switch down there so I'll look for it.

Thanks to all who replied, I'll report back in a few days (car is actually Mom's and I can't get there til weekend). I appreciate the help and the info in the replies!