C5 Tech Corvette Tech/Performance: LS1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Tech Topics, Basic Tech, Maintenance, How to Remove & Replace
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Engine Oil leak

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jul 22, 2018 | 09:34 PM
  #1  
swampmonster's Avatar
swampmonster
Thread Starter
Instructor
 
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 145
Likes: 11
Default Engine Oil leak

I see drops of engine oil dripping around the oil pan underneath the car. I'm sure there is a systematic way to diagnose this leak. Any recommendations? I've read that it's common for the oil sensor unit to leak. I guess I could check there first but is there an easy way to see if oil is coming out of there without having to take stuff apart? The oil pressure gauge seems to be acting normal, though. I'm really praying this is an easy fix.
Reply
Old Jul 23, 2018 | 03:50 AM
  #2  
Simtech's Avatar
Simtech
Racer
10 Year Member
All Eyes On Me
Liked
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 461
Likes: 122
From: Ozark Alabama
Default

Pictures are really helpful. It could be any number of things. The oil pressure sensor is a good place to start. Also make sure your PCV system is in good shape. The best thing to do is clean everything really good and then start looking. Good Luck.
Reply
Old Jul 23, 2018 | 06:06 AM
  #3  
Bengtsson's Avatar
Bengtsson
Intermediate
Liked
 
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 37
Likes: 9
Default

I had mad oil leaking and could not locate it. After my harmonic balencer went bad, changing the seal did it for me.
Reply
Old Jul 23, 2018 | 08:00 AM
  #4  
C5 Diag's Avatar
C5 Diag
Moderator, Tech Contributor
Supporting Lifetime Gold
10 Year Member
Veteran: Air Force
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 15,320
Likes: 3,927
From: Cape Coral, Florida
Default

The systematic way to diagnose this is...clean up any remnants of the leak with Brakekleen and LOOK !!...can’t be any simpler !!!!!
Reply
Old Jul 23, 2018 | 08:19 AM
  #5  
tbrowne's Avatar
tbrowne
Pro
20 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
Photogenic
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 714
Likes: 104
From: Springfield Ohio
Default

rwobs777 is correct. Get the front of the car up a little, jack stands or ramps work fine, and spray everything you can reach under the engine with a degreaser. I've had good luck with biodegradable cleaners that you spay on, let set and then rinse with a hose. Do the same treatment under the hood being careful around electronic parts. Once everything is clean you'll be in a much better position to tell where the leak is coming from. You'll have to check periodically to find the leak if it's small.
Reply
Old Jul 23, 2018 | 09:53 AM
  #6  
swampmonster's Avatar
swampmonster
Thread Starter
Instructor
 
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 145
Likes: 11
Default

Thanks for the responses! What's the easiest/fastest way to determine if it's coming from the sending unit or not, without having to take the manifold off?
Reply
Old Jul 23, 2018 | 03:44 PM
  #7  
Simtech's Avatar
Simtech
Racer
10 Year Member
All Eyes On Me
Liked
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 461
Likes: 122
From: Ozark Alabama
Default

Originally Posted by swampmonster
Thanks for the responses! What's the easiest/fastest way to determine if it's coming from the sending unit or not, without having to take the manifold off?
You just have to look. A mirror and a flashlight or you might get your cell phone in close enough to take a picture. The small cheap borescopes for your cell phone also work well.
Reply
Old Jul 23, 2018 | 11:40 PM
  #8  
swampmonster's Avatar
swampmonster
Thread Starter
Instructor
 
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 145
Likes: 11
Default

Originally Posted by Simtech
You just have to look. A mirror and a flashlight or you might get your cell phone in close enough to take a picture. The small cheap borescopes for your cell phone also work well.
Thank you, I will try it!
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

 Michael S. Palmer
story-1

2027 Corvette vs The World: Every Model vs Closest Competitor

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

 Joe Kucinski
story-3

5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!

 Brett Foote
story-7

Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

Grand Sport & Grand Sport X Launch Alongside All-New 535hp LS6 V8!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-9

5 Reasons Bad Drivers Crash & 5 Ways to Avoid a Costly Mistake!

 Joe Kucinski
Old Aug 2, 2018 | 12:41 AM
  #9  
swampmonster's Avatar
swampmonster
Thread Starter
Instructor
 
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 145
Likes: 11
Default

I think I found the area where the leak is dripping down from. Anything conclusive from this picture? This is on the passanger side. I'll take all the help I could get!

Please ignore the oily mess!

I tried getting my cell phone behind the manifold but it's too big. I'll try to find a small mirror on a stick and look back there.




Last edited by swampmonster; Aug 2, 2018 at 01:37 AM.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Engine Oil leak





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 06:15 PM.

story-0
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

Slideshow: Should you buy a 2020-2026 Corvette or wait for 2027?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 10:08:58


VIEW MORE
story-1
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every Model vs Closest Competitor

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette lineup vs the world.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-20 17:58:41


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

Slideshow: 10 major Corvette problems from the last 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-14 16:37:05


VIEW MORE
story-3
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!

Slideshow: 5 most and least popular Corvette model years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-08 13:25:01


VIEW MORE
story-4
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette buyer's guide

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-17 16:41:08


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)

Slideshow: 10 things C8 Corvette owners hate, but won't tell you.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-01 18:36:07


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!

Slideshow: Should you add one of these incredible Corvettes to your garage?

By Brett Foote | 2026-04-01 18:14:05


VIEW MORE
story-7
Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)

Slideshow: Every Corvette Grand Sport explained

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-03-26 07:13:44


VIEW MORE
story-8
Grand Sport & Grand Sport X Launch Alongside All-New 535hp LS6 V8!

Slideshow: Breaking down the 2027 Grand Sport, Grand Sport X, Stingray, and LS6 V8.

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-03-26 13:48:45


VIEW MORE
story-9
5 Reasons Bad Drivers Crash & 5 Ways to Avoid a Costly Mistake!

Slideshow: 5 reasons bad drivers crash sports cars & 5 ways to avoid a costly shame!

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-03-25 16:32:55


VIEW MORE