Oil Leak Continues
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: May 2024
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Columbia, Missouri
Oil Leak Continues
I may just need a different auto mechanic, but wanted to run this by the group before determining what to do next. I took my 2003 C5 in due to an oil leak (every morning, would be several spots of oil on the garage floor around the center of the engine, drops on each side of the center sometimes). I was told by my mechanic that the upper oil pan and front seal was leaking, so they replaced the front seal and both the upper and lower oil pan gaskets. They did not find any top end oil leaks. After nearly $2,000 for the repairs, I get the car home and it immediately leaks in the same location again. After waiting a few days to make sure this was not just a residual leak after the repairs, I returned to the mechanic to have another look. They supposedly reworked some of the gasketing and I took it home and sure enough, in a few days, the oil leaks returned. At this point, just wondering if this group has any idea of what this issue could be or do you think my mechanic maybe does not know what they are doing and I need to move on. Appreciate any assistance or recommendations you could provide. Best regards.
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: May 2024
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Columbia, Missouri
Thank you for your input on this. Wondering, if I have rear main and/or rear cover leaks, wouldn't I see the leaks toward the rear of the car instead of near the center of the engine which is where I am seeing the leaks now?
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,722
Likes: 138
From: Florida
St. Jude Donor '09
They are obviously clueless or nefarious, find another shop. Document as much as possible (pictures, invoices, text, etc.), and take to small claims court so you can recoup some of your money. If the other shop finds that the leak was not repaired, you can use that as evidence in court.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 4,772
Likes: 343
From: SIOUX FALLS SD
Cruise-In II Veteran
Cruise-In III Veteran
Talk nicely to the original mechanic and have them repair it correctly. Oil leaks are difficult to fix at times. It's probably a rear main seal leak and that can cost quite a lot to have repaired.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,722
Likes: 138
From: Florida
St. Jude Donor '09
Talk nicely to the individual that already butt raped you for 2K and did not resolve the issue twice. I'm sure that will work nicely.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,722
Likes: 138
From: Florida
St. Jude Donor '09
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 3,399
Likes: 1,339
From: Havre de Grace Maryland
Have you use this mechanic before without issues? Is he schooled in Corvette repairs, especially C5? If it is the first time, how did you find him? You might want to meet with the mechanic and explain the continuing oil leak issues.. In my experience, reputable and honest mechanics take pride in their work and reputation. They will try to resolve the issues to include offering to repay some or all the repair cost if they are unable to resolve the issue. Sometimes taking a 'I do not understand why this is still happening' approach and ask his advice on what to do next. It is clear he either misdiagnosed the leak issue repairing something that did not need repairing or failed to repair it two times. Some negotiating points to use for any request that you may make for reimbursement.
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Maybe this is a long shot, maybe not. But check the dipstick tube for a good O-ring, or ANY O-ring. Though I suspect the O-ring is there, or you'd have a huge leak. I once forgot to install my dipstick, yes-the entire dipstick! You wont believe how much, and how quickly oil comes out of that little hole!!