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Hello all, I recently stumbled into a neglected 2003 z06 from a family member who has just let it sit in their garage for nearly a decade. The price was way too good (let's just say free). Don't judge me too hard. The car drives perfect, has no codes, and had the normal issues like steering column lock, bad door relays, dim hvac, and the like which I've fixed.
The previous owner stated it burned oil, maybe a quart between oil changes but now i think it might be an oil leak. I changed spark plugs and wires the other day and noticed some oil on front passenger side most spark plugs threads. I started looking around and found a really grimey spot under the pcv valve. I looked again there the other day after driving and it looked wet. I attached pictures.
What do you all think would be the most likely locations? Think could be the valve covers, manifold gaskets, oil pressure sender? The repairs for all don't seem too hard and might not just be a bad idea to replace all of it. I'm not sure. I'm good at following YouTube videos but not a mechanic by any means
Thabk you for any help!
Last edited by Shadyraymond; Jul 12, 2023 at 09:05 PM.
Burning a quart of oil between oil changes is "normal" on these cars. The pictures of the leaks you have are normal also in my opinion. Also my opinion, I'd call everything good and run it like it is.
Welcome to the forum! Burning oil is normal on an '01, but not on an '03. There's more going on there. I would try cleaning everything up really well, and then keeping a close eye on it as you drive. That should provide a better idea of where the oil is coming from. If you end up doing the oil pressure sensor (which is a common issue on these cars) you should do the sensor relocation mod. Good luck with your repairs. Also as a side note, change the tires if you haven't already. The tread may be good, but if they're over a decade old, they're not safe. You might also want to swap all the fluids. Enjoy the car, and don't forget to SAVE THE WAVE!!
Welcome to the forum! Burning oil is normal on an '01, but not on an '03. There's more going on there. I would try cleaning everything up really well, and then keeping a close eye on it as you drive. That should provide a better idea of where the oil is coming from. If you end up doing the oil pressure sensor (which is a common issue on these cars) you should do the sensor relocation mod. Good luck with your repairs. Also as a side note, change the tires if you haven't already. The tread may be good, but if they're over a decade old, they're not safe. You might also want to swap all the fluids. Enjoy the car, and don't forget to SAVE THE WAVE!!
Thank you all for your advice!
I also think the leak seems a bit excessive. Oil pressures are perfect.
in that area, what could all the possible culprits be? The oil pressure sensor, the 8 manifold gaskets, the lower valley and knock grommets, valve cover gaskets. Anything else? I almost feel like I just want to replace all that. It all seems inexpensive and not too difficult. I will look into the oil pressure relocation. Sounds like it's in a horrible spot for something which seems to be a common source for leaks
Thank you for the suggestions. The tires are still good per date codes (for another year) and have changed all the fluids out already except those in the rear which I plan to do soon.
C5 oil leak advice
