engine leaks

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May 16, 2017 | 03:36 PM

gunn94

Thread Starter

Heel & Toe

Joined: Jun 2005

Posts: 18

Likes: 0

From: Marlton NJ

engine leaks

I just bought a 93 C4,with 14k, and after driving about 500 miles, I noticed oil leaking from the front of the engine, upper and lower.
Is there a additive that might swell the seals and gaskets? Will I need to replace them? Are the LT1's known for oil leaks?

May 16, 2017 | 07:01 PM

charliet615

Racer

Joined: May 2012

Posts: 392

Likes: 19

Well, i have a 93 also. And it leaks. It had 49k miles on it when i bought it, a little leak every once in a while, now quite a small puddle on the garage floor at 69K miles. I tried the mobile one high mileage oil thinking that might help seal the seals. No Cigar. I put it on a rack and it appears to be coming from the front crankcase seal, opti, water pump or various other places. Checking on the cost of replacing/repairing could run 1500.00 or more. I decided to let it Leak..... Hope this helps......My understanding is that most LT1's Leak oil. Or, it may just be mine and yours.....

Last edited by charliet615; May 16, 2017 at 07:06 PM.

May 16, 2017 | 07:34 PM

Drifter36

Instructor

Joined: Aug 2016

Posts: 188

Likes: 40

From: Rockaway NJ

Quote:

Originally Posted by gunn94

There are a couple of spots that are notorious for leaks. First, the intake manifold is sealed fore and aft with rtv Sealant, and are prone to leakage over time. I replaced my intake manifold gaskets and the rtv seals. No more leakage. But I also found two manifold bolts that were literally finger tight. So you might try checking the torque on yours. You will need to remove the throttle body to reach the front left bolt.
Second culprit areas are the water pump seal and opti spark seals. They can leak oil due to age or improper installation.
So there's a couple of places to start looking. Suggest getting under the car and wiping everything down as much as you can..others have tried dye in the oil. Not sure how well that works. Good luck!

May 16, 2017 | 09:32 PM

81c3

Le Mans Master

Joined: Dec 2005

Posts: 8,552

Likes: 936

From: Communist Colorado

Quote:

Originally Posted by gunn94

Forget about additives swelling the gaskets.... If theres a leak it needs to be properly repaired. If you cannot live with it or do it yourself, take it to a shop and have them diagnose and fix it the right way.

May 16, 2017 | 10:05 PM

flyboyslc1

Melting Slicks

Joined: Apr 2012

Posts: 3,363

Likes: 100

From: IOWA!!!

Check all fasteners

Quote:

Originally Posted by gunn94

Welcome to the C4 club! Check every fastener on the engine that you can put a wrench upon for tightness. Especially the valve covers and oil pan. I personally have tried Lucas oil additive and it did seem to help some to stop the leaks. The cost of 7 or 8 bucks makes it worth trying.

Steve

May 17, 2017 | 12:44 AM

A Peter C4

Burning Brakes

Joined: Jun 2016

Posts: 761

Likes: 66

From: Fitzwilliam New Hampshire

I have read on forum that the oil pressure sender and the oul temp sender and the oil filter adapter are prone to leak.

May 17, 2017 | 07:39 AM

Cjunkie

Safety Car

Joined: Jun 2006

Posts: 4,008

Likes: 1,487

From: Ashland, OH

Have the leaking gasket fixed properly. There is no such thing as a mechanic in a bottle.

May 21, 2017 | 10:01 PM

Teothe1nonly

Racer

Joined: May 2016

Posts: 255

Likes: 17

From: Sun Valley CA

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cjunkie

Have the leaking gasket fixed properly. There is no such thing as a mechanic in a bottle.

100 percent accurate statement. The LT1 is truly a leaky bastard...my waterpump drive gear seal got replaced 4 times using proper Kent Moore tool and still seeped over the cross member which is why i went with an electric waterpump to eliminate it all together and now bone dry. the crank position sensor also has a gm o ring that might go bad as well...