smog pump bracket removal suprise

[spokanefiat]

I have been removing all the smog parts from my 1978 fiat.I have everything off now and things are looking great however as I began to take the pump bracket off the block I got oil leaking out..I tightened the two nuts back up..what am I getting into here??? Also if the bracket can be removed is there a aftermarket cover for this hole..and where is it sold..thanks

[johndemar]

Unless the 1800 block is different than the one on my 76, the bolts don't go through.

[spokanefiat]

Mine has studs sticking out.the only thing I was taking off were the two nuts that hold the bracket on..the studs don't seem to be a problom.soon as the nuts were loose oil began dripping from in behind that bracket..once I get a little coffee in me im headed back out to pull it off and see what's going on..if its just a flat surface on the block im sure I can fabricate a cover for the hole from some plate steel..

[spokanefiat]

Well I pulled the bracket completly off and did get a bit more oil.however I cleaned the small void in behind the bracket well and the void does not go into the block.it seems this small void had filled with oil somehow..I have no idea...its not the first time I have been confused while working on this fiat.but I sure as hell am having a ball..

[manoa matt]

One, or possibly both of those studs that screw into the block go all the way into the crankcase. Its not uncommon for oil to seep from around the threads. Leave the studs in or remove them and replace them with bolts. The holes are above the oil level so none should come out when you remove them.