Hey Everyone!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 6,644
Likes: 479
From: OK
This is the one i used...but, got my LMC5 from Richard at Compliance
http://www.westcoastcorvette.com/p-4...1997-2013.aspx
http://www.westcoastcorvette.com/p-4...1997-2013.aspx
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 126
Likes: 32
2017 C5 of the Year Finalist
So gave it a once over today before i signed anything. There was oil all across the back of the oil pan. Not a ton, but enough that it was a slow drip. They recent did an oil change on it, but it wasn't really near the filter, plus it was dark. Any thoughts? I left it there for them to look at further worried it was the rear main seal. Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 479
Likes: 44
From: Northern Colorado
So gave it a once over today before i signed anything. There was oil all across the back of the oil pan. Not a ton, but enough that it was a slow drip. They recent did an oil change on it, but it wasn't really near the filter, plus it was dark. Any thoughts? I left it there for them to look at further worried it was the rear main seal. Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 126
Likes: 32
2017 C5 of the Year Finalist
Shifter - so you're saying not to worry about it? I was bummed..got pretty excited to pick it up. Start walking around it - noticed a scratch or 2..14 yr old car, no biggie. Hoses looked good, belt looked good, all gauges and buttons worked. Fluids looked clean. Was like yep - just want to see it on the lift and we're good to go. Started in the back - brake hoses looked good, shocks weren't leaking, trans looked dry. Walked my way up front - exhaust wasn't rusted, front hoses looked good. Juuuussst when I was about to say "put it down, we're good" is see oil about to drip by the back of the pan. Run my finger over it - dark, which made no sense compared to the clean oil I saw when i checked the stick while it was on the ground. I dont really wanna pay for a rear main on that car tho. I'd have to think that'd cost a pretty penny. Hoping they isolate it, fix it, and I can grab it this week.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 1,294
Likes: 367
From: Iowa
It's possible it's the oil pressure sending unit. Those commonly fail and cause oil to run down the backside of the engine. Also, being dark, it could be old oil that was never cleaned up if the OPS was replaced. It could also be a leak that is still persistent and it's just full of dirt.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,146
Likes: 203
From: Edmonton Alberta, Canada
Congrats and welcome to the insanity club. If your single , Its an amazing girl getter, and if your married...well its still an amazing girl getter, just don't get caught..lol. You can still do lots of mods that don't require mechanical issues, like new wheels ,tires, paint, spoilers, skirts, upgraded sound systems ect... but like everyone else is saying , be sure to check out all the fluids and such and see where your car stands on a mechanical point of view before doing any mods to the driveline. We here at the forum are here to help you , Enjoy your new ride. CorvetteVBob
Should we tell OP where the "chick magnet is located"??
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 126
Likes: 32
2017 C5 of the Year Finalist
Any more thought/input to the oil issue? Car is still sitting at the dealership instead of my driveway where it belongs :-( . They said they were going to wipe down what i found, let it sit, and see if they could figure out where it's coming from. Obviously if it's the main they, nor I want to pay for that. I just don't want them saying "oh yea, it was just a little drip from when we changed it, you're good to go", then being left w/a mess in a month. Do the mains on these cars go often, especially at 23k on the odo?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,146
Likes: 203
From: Edmonton Alberta, Canada
I have a bit of a leak also, last oil change had a dye put in oil to find leak. Did alot of reading on main seals and have been led to believe the main seal is VERY robust...here is hoping it is not the main (for both you and myself)
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 2,398
Likes: 768
From: jefferson texas
If it were me I would not buy it until the leak is identified and repaired. Once repaired I would insist on a thorough go through by an independent shop/tech (not theirs!) who knows C5's well. Maybe its just me but I don't believe a damn thing that comes out of a dealer/salesmans mouth. They could tell me the sky is blue, I'd still go look for myself. C5 repairs can be costly, make them fix it or walk away. Some friends have called me extreme on this attitude but its saved my butt on more than one occasion. To quote an old movie line, "Being paranoid is what keeps me alive". Good luck and best wishes!
Last edited by friou; Jun 12, 2016 at 01:49 PM. Reason: added info
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 8,900
Likes: 1,074
From: Wisconsin
You might want to run Mobil1 High Mileage oil in it. It has additives to rejuvenate the 15 year old seals. My '01 used a little oil when I first got it. Then I started using M1 HM and it hasn't used a drop since.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 126
Likes: 32
2017 C5 of the Year Finalist
So they put dye in it at the dealership. It is the rear main seal. I had them negotiated to 19.9k sale price. 2 roofs, no heads up display, no z51 package, 23k mi on the odo, and a 6 spd. Black car. They said they won't fix it, they'd loose too much on it, and would rather just take it to auction.
Do I just take it anyways and fix the rear main, or keep looking? C5's are the body style i can most closely afford, I like the targa top, like the 6 spd, like the low mileage...just don't know what to do here. Any input price/fixing stand point if I did take it is welcomed. What would you do?
Do I just take it anyways and fix the rear main, or keep looking? C5's are the body style i can most closely afford, I like the targa top, like the 6 spd, like the low mileage...just don't know what to do here. Any input price/fixing stand point if I did take it is welcomed. What would you do?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,030
Likes: 72
From: Seminole, FL
In the name of GAWD.... "READ THE STICKIES"....
Oh HELL YEAH!!!
Tires, Fluids, Filters, Belts....
You've got one carrot short of an INDY 500 Race Engine there.
When you first start it, especially first time in the morning.
ESPECIALLY on COOL MORNINGS...
LISTEN TO IT...
Sound like an engine KNOCK?
"SKIRT SLAP" they all do it. Goes away in a couple of minutes.
Just give the pistons and cylinders a few to warm up.
NOTHING TO FAINT OVER.
Been with mine since Oct 2013... Greatest 'Drives' of my life.
Nothing but miles and miles of nothing but smiles and smiles to you.
Oh HELL YEAH!!!
Tires, Fluids, Filters, Belts....
You've got one carrot short of an INDY 500 Race Engine there.
When you first start it, especially first time in the morning.
ESPECIALLY on COOL MORNINGS...
LISTEN TO IT...
Sound like an engine KNOCK?
"SKIRT SLAP" they all do it. Goes away in a couple of minutes.
Just give the pistons and cylinders a few to warm up.
NOTHING TO FAINT OVER.
Been with mine since Oct 2013... Greatest 'Drives' of my life.
Nothing but miles and miles of nothing but smiles and smiles to you.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 8,900
Likes: 1,074
From: Wisconsin
So figure in an extra $2K for the car. Your decision. Or you could live with the leak if it's not too bad and it might get better if the car is driven more. Old cars leak.