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Hi Everyone,
My C5 Automatic transmission has an Oil Leak. I read previous posts and replaced the Oil Pressure switch/plug. Then I cleaned the engine and started the car and took this picture. Any ideas on where this leak is coming from would be appreciated.
Red from Frederick.
Thanks for the quick response. I was hoping it was not the rear main. After doing more research C&S corvette made a video about the rear main seal and cover plate replacement. They said that the factory metal plate gets micro-fractures and should be replaced as well. They sell a C5 Upgraded Engine plate and rear main seal kit for $90. Since this job is all labor do you think it is worth replacing the engine plate as well? Also do you have any idea on the cost of this repair? I did not see any newer estimates on the website. Again Thanks!
Red
If you're sure the oil pres sensor isn't leaking, good chance the rear plate is leaking. If you can remove the intake and gain access to the cam sensor and you see a puddle of oil in there, that will tell you the rear plate is likely leaking at the top and running forward into the cam sensor cavity. It's been a while but I think the rear crank seal was pre-installed in the rear cover plate.
I do pretty much everything myself so I don't really know how much labor is nowadays. I've heard the dealership charges 8-10 hrs labor for the eng rear-plate R&R. If they charge $150/hr, that's $1200 to $1500 labor. You will also need an alignment afterwards. Not sure if that's included in the 8-10 hrs quote.
If your car is high mileage, may want to consider torque tube coupler replacement while you're in there. I haven't been down that road yet, so I'm not sure what all is involved. Lots of guys here have done their torque tube couplers and posted details. Suggest a search for details on that.
If you're sure the oil pres sensor isn't leaking, good chance the rear plate is leaking. If you can remove the intake and gain access to the cam sensor and you see a puddle of oil in there, that will tell you the rear plate is likely leaking at the top and running forward into the cam sensor cavity. It's been a while but I think the rear crank seal was pre-installed in the rear cover plate.
I do pretty much everything myself so I don't really know how much labor is nowadays. I've heard the dealership charges 8-10 hrs labor for the eng rear-plate R&R. If they charge $150/hr, that's $1200 to $1500 labor. You will also need an alignment afterwards. Not sure if that's included in the 8-10 hrs quote.
If your car is high mileage, may want to consider torque tube coupler replacement while you're in there. I haven't been down that road yet, so I'm not sure what all is involved. Lots of guys here have done their torque tube couplers and posted details. Suggest a search for details on that.
******
My C5 has 106k, thanks for the input about the torque coupler. I will pick one of them up. I used a wireless camera to watch the OPS and cam sensor area. There is a lot of old grime, but while it was running I saw no oil puddles anywhere. I’m pretty sure it is the rear main, so I am going to cowboy up and get the upgraded parts and coupler. I have a good mechanic but he is not a Corvette specialist. Anything else I need to add to my effort? I would like to get everything done that I can while the drive train is apart. Thanks again Red.
Pretty sure there's a coupler on each end of torque shaft. No idea if they are the same part #.
The torque rube couplers is all I regret not having done when mine was apart. I did have a shift cable break once leaving me stranded until tow truck arrived with a jack so I could shift it at the tranny and get it home. That may have been a fluke since I haven't heard of very many folks breaking theirs.
I drive my vette very consertively and with 120k miles, still not hearing any odd noises from the torque tube. Hoping mine last a while longer.
Pretty sure there's a coupler on each end of torque shaft. No idea if they are the same part #.
The torque rube couplers is all I regret not having done when mine was apart. I did have a shift cable break once leaving me stranded until tow truck arrived with a jack so I could shift it at the tranny and get it home. That may have been a fluke since I haven't heard of very many folks breaking theirs.
I drive my vette very consertively and with 120k miles, still not hearing any odd noises from the torque tube. Hoping mine last a while longer.
I spend more time cleaning and waxing the C5 than I do driving it. I had a 69 back in 1985 and the clutch cable broke, had to carefully speed shift it home…lol
Well my C5 goes in the shop Thursday. I will let you know how it goes. Thanks again for all of your help and guidance. Enjoy your summer.
Red from Frederick
Oil leak help needed
