New Owner, Oil Leak, NEED HELP!!

[1996CELT4]

Hello Guys,

I have had for a few months now a 96 CE LT4, first post to the forum. I bought it, with 10,000 miles, now at 13,000 miles. I have a problem that has developed which I was suprised to see on a car of this milage.

The car has begun leaking oil from the area of the front mail seal. At first it was just a drip, now seems to be worse and had actually saturated the front area around the accessories, belt, ect. I had originally hoped that it would go away as the seals softened up from not driving, obviously no luck there. I have now cleaned the area and am trying to locate the leak. So, here are my questions:

1. When I changed the oil, I first followed the book spec and only added 4.5 qts, after checking the stick, was .5 low, added up to 5 qts. Could this have anything to do with it, what should I fill to??

2. What other possibilites are there for leaks on the front, I know I have heard the crank postition sensor can be the problem? Where and what should I look for?

3. If it is the front main, should I start cussing now since we all know what that entails?

Thanks too all!!!

 

[wx briefer]

I would think crank position sensor, jack up the front and crawl under the oil pan, look from behind the crossmember to eyeball the sensor. It is held by just one screw if you should decide to get the 0-ring. They are cheap so just stop by the dealership and pick one up before you crawl under.

I don't think the timing cover would leak as badly as what you describe with only a few thousand miles on it. Mine had 65K when I did the cam swap with no leaks but the sensor o-ring.

 

[1996CELT4]

Thanks wx... We raised the car, cleaned the CPS area, then pulled the sensor. Suspect that was the problem. The sensor plug area outside of the o-ring was wet with oil. Was surprised that GM used such a small diamter o-ring. Not a tight fit at all. And the o-ring very loosely fit in the groove. Will test next week to see if the aftermarket o-ring we installed solved the problem. Thanks!

 

[Wamp]

The dealer spent 2 weeks fixing my oil leak. It was around the front of the crank. They also said that the water pump seal was inverted, dont know what that has to do with oil leak. Also my crank sensor was leaking. I have 70,000 + miles.

I have a problem that has developed which I was suprised to see on a car of this milage.

I would not be surprised at all. Seals tend to dry up a little if you don't drive the car. when ever my 74 starts leaking, I drive the snot out of it and just like christine, it fixes itself. Came to the conclusion Vettes get ****ed if they don't get attention...

 

[96vetteLT4]

it's 5 quarts with a new filter. Look for an oil leak at the front of the engine just below where the thermostat is located. Look to see if there is an oily deposit at this location and if so look for a gasket leak near the same location. Many think this to just be a dirt buildup but it's actually a leak from the front of the intake..good luck

 

[lt4 gs]

I would not be surprised at all. Seals tend to dry up a little if you don't drive the car.

I've owned mine for 8+ years now, and the statement Wamp makes holds true for any vehicle....including my 62' SS Impala. Once the seals load back up with oil, they pretty much act like Christine. Unless, of course, you happen to have a older 850 Norton Commando or a Freightliner w/430 Detroit.....then a handy 55Gal. LIB of good 30W w/pump comes in handy.

 

[Vettelt193]

I've owned mine for 8+ years now, and the statement Wamp makes holds true for any vehicle....including my 62' SS Impala. Once the seals load back up with oil, they pretty much act like Christine. Unless, of course, you happen to have a older 850 Norton Commando or a Freightliner w/430 Detroit.....then a handy 55Gal. LIB of good 30W w/pump comes in handy.

Good 'ol detroit diesels... man were they bad until they figured out how to use loc-tite (even after loc-tite they still loved their oil) you bring back memories LT4 GS!


Back to the subject though. My LT4 leaks, and has leaked as long as I have had it (bought it with 28k miles).... the more I drive it, the more it leaks. one day I will fix it... it is starting to annoy the heck out of me because it is dripping onto one of the cats and burning off which is making a terrible stink.... so I will probably fix it one day soon