Unexplained Oil on Engine

**mlasnoski** · 09-25-2010

Hello Everyone,
Just wanted to see if anyone could help me solve this.

I have a 2004 GTP CompG with 100,600 miles on the clock. I have had the LIM gasket and Upper Gasket replaced along with a tranny flush and new filter installed. I have wetness above where the transmission bolts to the engine. It looks to be oil, but I'm confused. All levels are good and everything seems to be fine. I had the valve cover gaskets replaced as well. I don't believe it should be wet. I have attached a photo to show kind of the location of where the said wetness is at. If anyone knows anything that would be greatly appreciated.

http://i952.photobucket.com/albums/a...925_165943.jpg

Thanks!

Mike

**mlasnoski** · 09-25-2010

If that top link doesn't work...try this one

Pictures by lasnoskim - Photobucket

**Silver GTP** · 09-25-2010

Hard to say from that picture, but wetness in that area is usually a lim gasket or could be the thermostat gasket. Clean the area up and then watch it for new wetness before it spreads out. That should help to track it down. Maybe there was a problem with the new lim gasket sealing properly?

**matt5112** · 09-25-2010

Get a towel or a tissue and dab some of it up and look at the colour.

**mlasnoski** · 09-25-2010

I should mention the gasket was put in 4 months ago. In May, before I bought the car. But yeah I suppose it could be any possibility. If it's the LIM, I will demand the garage that did it to re-do it CORRECTLY. Does that sound fair. It should last longer than 4 months.... I will be sure to call that garage when I found out the issue. Parts of me also doesn't trust the garage anyways. The previous owner took the car there. That wouldn't have been my first stop.

**mlasnoski** · 10-01-2010

UPDATE:

Turns out I have 2 oil leaks. =/ Lower Intake Manifold and the Rear Main Seal. Could I have any worse luck. The estimate was $1200.00 where I live to do both jobs. I'm currently in works with the original garage that did the Intake 4 months ago...it shouldn't already be leaking....ugh I hate crappy mechanics. My current garage was saying something about spacers used in the LIM that some mechanics use and some don't and the mechanic that just replaced this one 4 months ago..didn't use them. It all depends on the mechanic. My current garage said they have better luck using them.
I'll keep posted, what happens.

**TheOtherNick** · 10-01-2010

There are no spacers for the intake.

**mlasnoski** · 10-01-2010

yeah, I don't remember what he exactly said. All I heard were $$$$ My dad said not to worry about the Rear Main. My oil level is still full. Will see what this other garage is going to do. Labor rates up here, where I live are $65.00 an hour.

**TLSheff** · 10-01-2010

This is a basic breakdown of the 04 GTP engine, the #533 that is right above the block is the seals some mechanics leave out... why i don't know but some don't like them, i guess a "fill with silicone" state of mind takes over and you end up with leaks later that have you coming back for more work... win win for the mechanic, loss loss for you

**matt5112** · 10-01-2010

I thought you were supposed to use those then add dabs of black RTV in the corners to make sure it seals properly.

**TLSheff** · 10-01-2010

you are, but IF you dont, it could leak, and ive heard of some mechanics that just fill in the area of silicone and let it be

theres alot of shady techs today, everyone looking for the quick buck rather than a good rep and solid work.

**matt5112** · 10-01-2010

I dont get it. that parts COMES with the gasket set... I mean there is no excuse for not using them.

**TheOtherNick** · 10-01-2010

They are old school guys. All those rubber seal leak on sbc's so you just rtv it. I have never had an issue sealing one on a 3800 tho. Also its easy to see if they are in, the tabs hang off the side.

**mlasnoski** · 10-02-2010

Interesting. I really do enjoy learning about out cars, even though its nickel and dime-ing me to no end. Yeah it was those tabs he was talking about above that they left out. GRR. And no call back from the garage that did it 4 months ago. I really hope they will re-do it without a cost to me. It shouldn't start leaking after 4,000 miles that just seems shotty. My Grand Am lasted 2 years before it s**t out again.

I might just hold off on the RMS. It's only seeping out. My oil level remains full. My dad said to wait until I start to notice it on the dipstick. Is this wise advice or should I bite the bullet and just replaced it all. UGH. Thanks guys for your knowledge. =) I learn from you guys.

**rynoman03** · 10-02-2010

Originally Posted by mlasnoski

yeah, I don't remember what he exactly said. All I heard were $$$$ My dad said not to worry about the Rear Main. My oil level is still full. Will see what this other garage is going to do. Labor rates up here, where I live are $65.00 an hour.

That's cheap. Most shops around here are $98.00 and I live in NE Kansas.

**blueguy** · 10-02-2010

Most shops around here are free...and I live in BFE Missouri

**SuperSport** · 10-04-2010

Originally Posted by bluegtp91

Most shops around here are free...and I live in BFE Missouri

Because the South kicks ass and Im jealous of anyone who lives there.

Also to the idiot shop mechanics that dont use the included rubber side pieces...thats the dumbest thing I have ever heard of. I could see if it was a seperate part and they didnt order it...

**iroc2** · 10-04-2010

Originally Posted by mlasnoski

UPDATE:

Turns out I have 2 oil leaks. =/ Lower Intake Manifold and the Rear Main Seal. Could I have any worse luck. The estimate was $1200.00 where I live to do both jobs. I'm currently in works with the original garage that did the Intake 4 months ago...it shouldn't already be leaking....ugh I hate crappy mechanics. My current garage was saying something about spacers used in the LIM that some mechanics use and some don't and the mechanic that just replaced this one 4 months ago..didn't use them. It all depends on the mechanic. My current garage said they have better luck using them.
I'll keep posted, what happens.

ive herd its a bad idea to do a trans flush. fluid changes are fine just not flushes. i have almost he same problem. mines leaking at the front main seal and like 1 or 2 other places.

**TheOtherNick** · 10-04-2010

as long as your transmission is not shot to begin with a flush will be fine.

**mlasnoski** · 10-04-2010

I don't believe it was a flush, I think they just drained the old stuff and put in a new filter and filled it up. They checked for particulates or metal shinny pieces and they didn't find anything.

Update: The garage that repaired the LIM before I bought the car is going to fix it for free. He doesn't believe its the whole LIM leaking, but rather a corner area, where the motor mount is on the right side. He's going to take it apart tomorrow and see what he sees. Which just tells you why he should have used those tabs. I really hope he's just not going to band-aid the situation. It's not seeping a lot, but just the idea. I'll keep posted what the guy finds. I still don't like the dude, he seems sketch and he's the owner. UGH

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