oil leaks dont go away unless the oil tank is empty

 

True...But, If excessive blow-by is the culprit....It will be sufficient to reduce blow-by!
Unless something else is amiss!!!!

 

and i thought i was answering - he has engine caes leaking and wanted to know if he should leave it as it might stop leaking with out doing anything

what do you think

 

I think you are correct...in my initial read I saw oil escaping near the rear motor mount...and Assumed [bad word that one] crankcase vent.
On a re-read...between case halves sounds like a Tear-down to me also...My Bad.

 

I pulled the bottom end out last night and I can see the leak below the rear motor mount at the case halves.its a small area where i cant see any sealant.looking in my manual it shows a few case diagrams. Ive done a few searches online but nothing has clear instructions.On this 69 can I pull the left case without stripping the whole cam chest? This will be my first time splitting cases. Or is this better left to a professional shop?

 

the left side stays with the left case - right side, cam cover has to come off, oil pump and all the gearing has to be re timed - if you are mechanicaly proficient go for it if not its not very expensive to have someone split the cases and re glue it and give it back

 

Shovels can be as leak-free as any engine if assembled correctly, and maintained.
Scott