ext44,

I hope your pan gasket fixes the problem.

With all the activity of drilling and tapping and whatever on the timing cover, I can't help but think the plate has been compromised.

There is suppose to be a gasket between the plate and the block. I would be 150% sure this area was perfect when I had the pan off.

Make sure the timing cover was installed properly. The 'centered seal' is the reference location for the cover before it is bolted down.

Oil can sneak down a surface and give you the impression it is coming from somewhere else.


Stuart