Oil Leak
 

First thing to know is I haven't killed the dowel pin problem. I've got an oil leak coming from the front of the motor, I haven't been able to completely figure out where it's coming from. It looks like it's coming from the front cover somewhere. I'm just wondering if the dowel pin gets loose and puts a hole in the cover, or cracks the case how much oil is it going to be leaking? I'm talking about if I left it at an idle for an hour there might be a spot the size of baseball in diameter on the driveway. Is this something that could have been caused by the dowel pin falling out?

Also I had noticed a couple of the bolts were coming loose on the cover so I went around and gave them a quick once over and tightened them up a bit. I'm wondering if this may have caused the problem also?

That's a good bit of oil! And yes having loose cover bolts will allow the oil to seep past. But also like you said if the pin got out a cracked the case it would leak like that also. Best thing to do it see if tightening the bolts helps but idealy start get the parts and stuff rounded up and do the kdp asap and that will tell you if the case is cracked and if it's not you'll have new seals all the way around and no leaks!

I spent the time and cleaned the motor of this beast this morning, I plan to start it and let it idle in the morning and see where the leak is. One of my favorite local shops told me he's seen quite a few lately that have been leaking out of the front main seal like this. I'm hoping this is the issue, then I can have the pin fixed while having the seals replaced. Unfortunately I can get it fixed for cheaper than the time I'll spend plus parts. I'm looking at 200 plus tax for parts and labor on the outside cover, and just under a Grand if I have to have the Gear Housing replaced.