memphis_vette

hey guys i have an oil leak somewhere on my car. i just replaced the intake manifold gaskets when i was replacing an OPSU (which has already went out with less than 3k miles). Everytime i get out of car i can smell burnt oil. i have a friend who has a shop to do all the work on car. he is very knowledgeable about ls1's... so what else should i replace? timing chain, valve cover gaskets, oil pump... what else? and how much do you think parts would be for these items and others that i should include. right now the car has a stutter while in gear at idle.

My car is a 98 c5 a4 with 140k on the clock. thank you for the input i need this car to keep going since it is my DD. only things on car is flowmaster over axle exhaust with x pipe, blackwing intake, and a rebuilt trans with shift kit...if that matters. i want to do a mail order tune after i finish the TLC on the motor that way my basic mods are tuned to car.

thank you for input
cody

memphis_vette

also where would be a good place to get these items? gmpartshouse???

schpenxel

these engines are good for a lot more than 140k miles. fix the leak and leave it alone, imo.

memphis_vette

really cause ive read from multiple people on the forum that around 150k its a good idea to chain the timing chain and oil pump to ls6...

schpenxel

i mean, it's not going to hurt anything to do it..and if you're already going to have it apart then sure.. but i wouldn't tear into a perfectly good engine to change that out if you have good oil pressure already

memphis_vette

thats the thing i forgot to add. im running about 14 lbs of oil pressure at optimum temps at idle and about 30 at cruising speeds

memphis_vette

could it just be low oil pressure from oil leak?

schpenxel

i doubt it.. no way you're leaking enough oil to affect pressure.. unless you're putting in a quart every 10 miles or something.

marinehacker202

14 is a bit low.. just gotta ask, when was the last time the oil was changed?

FourG63 97GST

an also, does it smoke or burn excessive oil?

memphis_vette

ya i check my oil regularly and it has never been low but i can just smell it EVERY time i get out of my car. i change my oil every 3k miles with mobile 1 synthetic

memphis_vette

car doesnt smoke at all from what i can see, but i can just smell it

Tech

Do you park your car in the same spot every night? If you have an oil leak on the backside of the engine (OPSU, valve cover gasket, rear main), the oil might fall onto the exhaust and create the odor you've described. If you park in the same spot, are there any traces of oil on the ground?

memphis_vette

im not sure on the parking spot as i have just moved but i will start looking everyday. yes i can smell it getting out of the car and even sometimes when idles at a stoplight for example

lucky131969

why in the world would you do that?

memphis_vette

why not. i get oil at cost through a shop i work for

memphis_vette

im asking for insight not opinions on how often i change my oil.

lucky131969

Even at cost....it doesn't make any sense. You are changing synthetic oil...at the same interval as organic oil. It's not only a waste of money.....it's a waste of good oil. Even if you were getting the oil for free........it's just pointless.

memphis_vette

i live in ca temps rise to 120 degrees F... my car is a DD so i make sure i have fresh oil at all the times. i would rather spend the 30 bucks every few months then have to replace things prematurely

BEARSZ

Get the parts from Abel Chevrolet in Rio Vista. They're a forum Sponsor and Rich is a Corvette owner himself. Great place to do business with.