Thread: Grand Prix burning oil smell?

I don't think my car has ever had the recall to fix the engine fire problems but is it to late to take it in and see? The burning oil smell seems very strong at times when I stop at a stop light, I hate the smell and it makes me nervous. I just bought the car about a month ago with 128k Miles (02 Grand Prix GT), with the last 28,000 mostly highway said the previous owner. Anyway does what the dealer do to correct the problem even work? I heard it was just moving spark plug wires or something. Depending on how brave I am, I might try to replace the "Seeping" gasket along with cleaning parts covered in oil that I can see which is like a metal piece under the spark plugs near the header if I remember right (I'm not that knowledgeable on repairing cars and don't have a lot of money). I also have to replace the fuel sending unit as well.

More than likely your valve covers are leaking and seeping oil onto the exhaust manifolds.

I'd strongly suggest you try and find out where the oil is coming from, so your car dont start on fire.

The dealership will replace the rear valve cover gasket, but I think its only for the GTP model, otherwise is a plastic piece that lets the oil flow away from the manifold, front only I believe.

Would both be leaking? I thought I was only the front one. I'm about 75% that its coming from the from front valve cover because under it is pretty black with oil. This car has been trouble the month iv had it, Had to replace rear struts because they both broke, battery blew up, fuel pump and level sensor are meh, speakers and radio blew at like 25% volume, water in the passenger floor, then the oil smell to top it all off. I think some this is normal for these cars but i',m not sure. Do you think I could still call a dealership and see if they can do anything? I only say that because of how long ago the recall was.

I would AT LEAST CALL the closest dealership, talk to service, give them the WHOLE VIN# from the windshield, and have them check to see if the recall has been done.

Unless you feel like playing with the car this weekend, which case, buy 2 new valve cover gaskets, enough valve cover grommets, and have a ball.

Originally Posted by TLSheff

Unless you feel like playing with the car this weekend, which case, buy 2 new valve cover gaskets, enough valve cover grommets, and have a ball.

Wouldn't this cost an arm and leg at a stealership or any mechanic to have them do it?

If they can cover it under the recall it won't cost you anything, but if not... yea it'll probably stack up pretty quick.

Valve Cover Gasket GM# 25532619 - Retail $23.43 ea so $46.86 (2)
Valve Cover Grommets # 25534749 - Retail $ 1.82 ea so $21.84 (12)
Plus standard rate would most likely hit $80/hr so figure $160.00 for 2 hrs (figured high)
plus whatever taxes add up to $228.70 +tax...

Call and see how close I am hehe

Then do it yourself and save money. We can walk you thru set by set, trust, the majority of us have done it before once or twice. Its not hard to do with basic tools and a little common sense.