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2001 Oil leak

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Old Jun 26, 2014 | 01:41 PM
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Default 2001 Oil leak

Had my 2001 Coupe at dealer yesterday for Oil/Filter change. I'm original owner, has 29,100 miles. Service rep said there's small oil leak from Oil Pan. i asked how much to replace the gasket. Said its not that easy. First have to put dye in the oil to see where leak is. Said there's an upper and a lower gasket. Lower is approx $200-$300, upper could be $600-800.

Car is garage queen, never been in the rain, on trickle charger under cover in heated garage since new. Took deliver August 2000.

Does this sound plausible?
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Old Jun 26, 2014 | 02:13 PM
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I would try the old check for a loose fastener and that might help fluid retention.

Gaskets get old, but , without being taken apart often , I would be surprised that a gasket in that application would need service. But then I am often out of my depth with modern car assemblies. I don't even know If one can see all the bolts down there.
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Old Jun 26, 2014 | 06:00 PM
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Like 8VETTE7 said, dealerships are always looking for a way to take a few extra $$$ out of your wallet.

Do you see any evidence of oil drips where you park in your garage? Put some clean cardboard under the car where you park, to verify that an oil leak is present. I'm betting that you won't find enough to worry about!
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Old Jun 26, 2014 | 07:30 PM
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Originally Posted by Quicksilver Vert 01
Like 8VETTE7 said, dealerships are always looking for a way to take a few extra $$$ out of your wallet.

Do you see any evidence of oil drips where you park in your garage? Put some clean cardboard under the car where you park, to verify that an oil leak is present. I'm betting that you won't find enough to worry about!

The amount I've seen is not allot, about 2 inch circle after week or so parked is same place. It just bothers me since this vette is so pristine. I'm inclined to agree with you, not worth sending this much money to solve. I'm really interested in knowing what fair cost should be to replace the gaskets should i decide to do it.
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Old Jun 26, 2014 | 07:49 PM
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Where is the leak? Could also be oil pressure sensor or cam sensor or crank sensor leaking and the the oil drips from the edge of the pan.
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Old Jun 26, 2014 | 08:28 PM
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Originally Posted by lionelhutz
Where is the leak? Could also be oil pressure sensor or cam sensor or crank sensor leaking and the the oil drips from the edge of the pan.
Dealer said oil pan gasket....
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Old Jun 26, 2014 | 10:27 PM
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Geeze, where physically is it leaking? Back? Front? Left? Right?
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Old Jun 26, 2014 | 10:33 PM
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Originally Posted by lionelhutz
Geeze, where physically is it leaking? Back? Front? Left? Right?

I haven't been under the car to examine. But from what I can tell by
position of the blotch on the floor, its sort of rear/center of the motor.
I intend to put the car on ramps this weekend and look more closely.
As mentioned in orig post, dealer said they use dye in the oil to locate the leak.
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Old Jun 26, 2014 | 11:25 PM
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Rear center could be any of the things I mentioned. Rear seal or rear cover as well.
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Old Jun 27, 2014 | 09:18 AM
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Originally Posted by RED Coupe
I haven't been under the car to examine. But from what I can tell by
position of the blotch on the floor, its sort of rear/center of the motor.
I intend to put the car on ramps this weekend and look more closely.
As mentioned in orig post, dealer said they use dye in the oil to locate the leak.
When you see evidence of a leak always work your way up and forward. Just because it's dripping from the pan doesn't mean it's the pan gasket. Oil sending unit, valve covers, oil filter etc. Also you may want to put some white paper down to see what color the leak is. Could be power steering fluid. Some forward leaks will run to the back before they accumulate enough to drip. Just some things to consider before you accept the dealer's diagnosis.
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Old Jun 27, 2014 | 10:06 AM
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Originally Posted by norcalace
When you see evidence of a leak always work your way up and forward. Just because it's dripping from the pan doesn't mean it's the pan gasket. Oil sending unit, valve covers, oil filter etc. Also you may want to put some white paper down to see what color the leak is. Could be power steering fluid. Some forward leaks will run to the back before they accumulate enough to drip. Just some things to consider before you accept the dealer's diagnosis.
All excellent thoughts...thanks.

Also, I'm looking for a good Vette shop in my area(Northern NJ). Would really like to have someone like that evaluate and resolve.
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Old Jun 27, 2014 | 12:29 PM
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Originally Posted by RED Coupe
All excellent thoughts...thanks.

Also, I'm looking for a good Vette shop in my area(Northern NJ). Would really like to have someone like that evaluate and resolve.
ECS is in Cream Ridge.
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Old Jun 27, 2014 | 05:55 PM
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Originally Posted by LoneStarFRC
ECS is in Cream Ridge.

Thanks for the referral but thats a considerable way from where I am.
I stopped by a place today that specializes in Corvettes(Ultimate Corvette) and explained what I've been told by dealer. Of course not much can be diagnosed by discussion but did conform replacing Pan Gasket is time consuming. Said likely have to drop suspension to remove the pan...??? Sound plausible to you guys?
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