Oil Leaks
Racer
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 438
Likes: 14
From: Tucson/Santa Paula AZ/CA
2017 C4 of Year Finalist
Now when I drive the car I notice a burned oil smell when I return and park it in my garage. I was hoping it was the valve cover gaskets but upon closer inspection I discovered that the head gasket on the driver's side is leaking oil. There is another oil leak on the front of the block near the water pump which appears to be blowing back and dripping off of the oil drain plug
Fred
Even though head gasket oil leaks are rare, my 1990 coupe had a leaking driver side head gasket within the first 2,000 miles of it's delivery. I grudgingly let the dealer look at it (they also had to replace one of my wheels since it left Bowling Green with 3 right side wheels).
They sprayed the china wall area and the head-to-block areas with white powder to pinpoint the leak. It was definitely the head gasket and it would drip down the left side of the block to the oil filter area after about a week of daily driving. The work order states that they re-torqued both heads and I've not had another problem in 34,000 miles.
I also had a defective IAC motor that I replaced myself. The dealer refused to install one of their 'sniffers' to diagnose the problem, instead they wanted to keep the car for a couple of weeks to see if they could make it happen. It would only stall after a 15-30 minute cruise on the freeway. I'd hit the off ramp and would have to keep playing with he throttle to keep it running. It only failed intermittently.
Mick
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Ringoes NJ
Fred,
Even though head gasket oil leaks are rare, my 1990 coupe had a leaking driver side head gasket within the first 2,000 miles of it's delivery. I grudgingly let the dealer look at it (they also had to replace one of my wheels since it left Bowling Green with 3 right side wheels).
They sprayed the china wall area and the head-to-block areas with white powder to pinpoint the leak. It was definitely the head gasket and it would drip down the left side of the block to the oil filter area after about a week of daily driving. The work order states that they re-torqued both heads and I've not had another problem in 34,000 miles.
I also had a defective IAC motor that I replaced myself. The dealer refused to install one of their 'sniffers' to diagnose the problem, instead they wanted to keep the car for a couple of weeks to see if they could make it happen. It would only stall after a 15-30 minute cruise on the freeway. I'd hit the off ramp and would have to keep playing with he throttle to keep it running. It only failed intermittently.
Mick
Even though head gasket oil leaks are rare, my 1990 coupe had a leaking driver side head gasket within the first 2,000 miles of it's delivery. I grudgingly let the dealer look at it (they also had to replace one of my wheels since it left Bowling Green with 3 right side wheels).
They sprayed the china wall area and the head-to-block areas with white powder to pinpoint the leak. It was definitely the head gasket and it would drip down the left side of the block to the oil filter area after about a week of daily driving. The work order states that they re-torqued both heads and I've not had another problem in 34,000 miles.
I also had a defective IAC motor that I replaced myself. The dealer refused to install one of their 'sniffers' to diagnose the problem, instead they wanted to keep the car for a couple of weeks to see if they could make it happen. It would only stall after a 15-30 minute cruise on the freeway. I'd hit the off ramp and would have to keep playing with he throttle to keep it running. It only failed intermittently.
Mick
Mick,
Thanks for your input. I am not a mechanic as you can probably tell but my neighbor is and has owned some Corvettes and Mustangs and now runs his own repair shop. I was hoping to get the car to his garage this weekend and put it up on the lift but it's snowing again here in NJ and I won't drive it in this weather. When the weather clears and I have time we'll get it up in the air and find out exactly where the leaks are and address the problems.
Fred
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 2,996
Likes: 304
From: MOORESVILLE NC
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 1,038
Likes: 44
From: Pensacola Florida
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 14,064
Likes: 1,166
From: N. Alabama
Go to the GM dealer parts counter and get the one, single sealant that is used for both diesel and gasoline engines. It is the best and takes the guess work out of which RTV to use. I did dimple my china walls. After application, I allowed the sealant to cure for 48 hours before starting engine and slinging oil on wet sealant. I have no leaks today. GL.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 2,996
Likes: 304
From: MOORESVILLE NC
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disassembly is some work, but not all that bad. it is however, very time consuming. if you think about it, it's just "nuts and bolts." I must have done this a half dozen times, and I never rush the job. if it takes three, four or five days, it takes three, four, or five days - 
. here's a couple tools I have that makes the job a bit easier. the short 1/4" drive swivel torx socket is home made. the 6" (3/8" drive) works like a champ.
I did run across this torx bit in the McMaster-Carr catalog. it allows for a slight offset - up to 25 degrees. i'll probably get one - it might just be a plus for the next time.
here's a shot of my fuel rail pressure gauge on my 90. I had to route the gauge fittings a bit differently and add an AN-4 elbow to clear the MAP sensor. i notched the distributor cover and tilted the gauge for better viewing.
. here's a couple tools I have that makes the job a bit easier. the short 1/4" drive swivel torx socket is home made. the 6" (3/8" drive) works like a champ. I did run across this torx bit in the McMaster-Carr catalog. it allows for a slight offset - up to 25 degrees. i'll probably get one - it might just be a plus for the next time.
here's a shot of my fuel rail pressure gauge on my 90. I had to route the gauge fittings a bit differently and add an AN-4 elbow to clear the MAP sensor. i notched the distributor cover and tilted the gauge for better viewing.
Last edited by Joe C; Feb 18, 2015 at 07:49 AM.