mods please delete

 

yes definitely get it done; just make sure they realign the front because theyre going to have to loosen the subframe and that will throw your alignment specs off.

 

First off, in my opinion, no oil leak is normal. Secondly, if its under warranty, get it fixed as it may become worse(mine is in the dealer now for the same issue under warranty). Lastly, make sure the dealership has a corvette mechanic that knows exactly how to proceed with the repair.

 

If it's a rear engine seal, which according to the op is what the dealer told him, or rear engine cover leaking (which is also common) they have to pull the drivetrain.

If it's the rear engine seal, waiting too long can possibly cause the seal to walk forward eventually causing a serious oil leak.

I found a TSB for the above issues last night as I think my car may have a slight leak from the same area.

Does GM make TSB repair on thier dime if a car is out if warranty?

 

From another thread:

Thread link: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-c...-bsing-me.html

 

Welcome to the tech section! I have learned a ton here in 10 years and you will too if you stick around.

You received, in my opinion, some excellent advice in this quote. I agree 100%.

 

Yeh I kind of figured those out of warranty would end up having to fix it themself or pay out of pocket.

Here's the TSB for anyone having the issue:

05-06-01-034J:Engine Oil Leak at Rear Cover Assembly Area*
(Engine Block Porosity RTV Repair Procedure) - (Nov 12, 2009)

Models: 2004-2007 Buick Rainier
2008-2009 Buick LaCrosse Super, Allure Super (Canada Only)
2005-2010 Cadillac CTS-V
2007-2010 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT
2003-2009 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
2003-2010 Chevrolet Corvette
2004-2006 Chevrolet SSR
2005-2010 Chevrolet Silverado, Silverado SS
2006-2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS
2006-2009 Chevrolet TrailBlazer SS, Impala SS
2007-2010 Chevrolet Avalanche, Suburban, Tahoe
2009-2010 Chevrolet Colorado Pickup
2010 Chevrolet Camaro
2003-2009 GMC Envoy
2003-2010 GMC Sierra
2004-2005 GMC Envoy XUV
2007-2010 GMC Yukon XL, Yukon Denali, Yukon XL Denali
2009-2010 GMC Canyon
2004-2006 Pontiac GTO
2005-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix GXP
2008-2009 Pontiac G8 GT
2009 Pontiac G8 GXP
2005-2009 Saab 9-7X 5.3i
2008-2009 Saab 9-7X Aero
2003-2010 HUMMER H2
2006-2010 HUMMER H3
with 5.3L, 5.7L, 6.0L, 6.2L, 7.0L VORTEC™ GEN III or GEN IV V8 Engine (All Aluminum Block) (RPOs L33, LC9, LH6, LH8, LH9, LM4, LS4, LS1, LS6, L76, L77, LFA, LZ1, LS2, L92, L94, L99, L9H, LS3, LS9, LSA, LS7)

This bulletin is being revised to add RPOs and model years. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 05-06-01-034I (Section 06 -- Engine/Propulsion System).
Condition

Some customers may comment on an engine oil leak.

Cause
Upon initial diagnosis, it may be determined that the leak is coming from the rear cover gasket. This condition may be caused by engine block porosity on the sealing surface. This issue pertains to aluminum block applications only.

Correction
Follow the steps for Oil Leak Diagnosis in SI to determine the source of the leak. If the leak has been diagnosed as coming from the engine rear cover assembly, refer to Engine Rear Cover Replacement in SI and remove the engine rear cover assembly. Inspect the engine block and engine rear cover for porosity on the mating surfaces.
• If porosity is found on the engine rear cover (see illustration below), replace the engine rear cover assembly, GM P/N 12633579.
• If porosity is found on the engine block, use the following procedure to apply RTV to repair the engine block porosity.

The porosity issue is in the gasket sealing surface at the top of the cover, near the high pressure oil crossover port. Refer to the picture below. The oil leaks by the gasket and runs down the side of the cover, and may appear to be a leak at the t-joint area of the cover. The fix is to replace the cover with GM P/N 12633579. Also, if porosity is found anywhere on the sealing surface of the engine block, use the following procedure to apply RTV to repair the engine block porosity. Refer to the illustration below.

Important: Clean any residual oil from the block and cover before applying the sealant in the next step.

1. Wipe a small amount of RTV, P/N 12378521 (in Canada, use P/N 88901148), onto the surface using a plastic scraper to fill the porosity.
2. Remove any excess RTV material, especially from inside the high pressure oil passage. Refer to #1 in the above illustration.
3. The joint may be closed immediately after applying the RTV. Total joint time after the RTV has been applied must be under 20 minutes.

Important: Refer to Engine Rear Cover Replacement in SI and follow the tightening specifications and sequence.

4. Reinstall the engine rear cover using a new gasket and a new crankshaft rear main seal. Refer to Engine Rear Cover Replacement in SI.

 

I had my oil leak fixed on my 07'Z last year. Problem was, the dealer that did the initial work failed to put everything back together correctly. A wire got pinched in the subframe on re-assembly. Car threw codes so dealer number two had to find and fix the problem.

 

What a mess (in every aspect ). That should be covered under the powertrain warranty too, but with GMPP, you're covered regardless. But your concern about creating other problems, and/or not ending up with your car exactly the way it was before (scratches, scrapes, stripped threads, something not torqued properly, etc) is VERY real. Like somebody said, I'd make sure not only that a Corvette mechanic does the job, BUT that he has done it before, even if that creates an inconvenience. You definitely DO NOT want you car to be the first tech's such job, even if 'Corvette certified'. Service manuals are never specific enough (happens to me all the time). Good luck man.

 

The only part of this that is the same as the OPs stated problem is the rear main seal indicated in number 4.

Bill

 

Absolutely great advice from all....this is why I appreciate this forum so much!

As mentioned in a couple of the posts, I agree with the importance of having someone familiar with C6's work on my car. I have searched in the So. Cal section of the forum, and based on what I found, I think I have decided on a dealer (Mark Christopher in Ontario, CA). They are a large dealer in the area and have worked on many Vettes. As a matter of fact, when I went there just to inspect the place and speak with a service advisor, I saw two C6's in the service dept. I asked the advisor if they had a Corvette specialist, but he responded that all of his guys are equally qualified (yeah, I'm a bit nervous about that). He did comment that he understands how Vette owners feel about their 'babies' and that he would treat it as such. I do plan to check out a couple other dealers though (Clippinger in West Covina, Rydell in Northridge???) before making a final decision. Wherever I go, I plan to provide a copy of the TSB (thanks DSOM C6).

 

As an FYI, many dealerships do not have Corvette specialists. From what I understand, you need a separate certification.

 

Clean the area of the suspected leak to determine if the leak continues. There are instances when an oil seal will allow seepage and then fix itself. If dry, I would not be in a hurry to dissemble engine.

 

You should be able to get a discount on any repair that has a TSB. If you fight hard enough you will get get it done for free. Take a copy of the TSB with you, if the Service Manger wont give in ...small claims court is pretty much a guaranteed win. Its just a question if do you want to got through the hassle or not. They intentionally hold back on "secret warranties" hoping you'll pay and go away, but if you fight you will win.
Pick up a copy of "Lemon Aid" its a wealth of info on how to fight back.

 

How do you know where the oil was coming from? If the leak stopped why not wait and see if it starts again. Your GMPP is good until 2014. Maybe the oil filter was not replaced correctly. Check out the oil on my pan around four years ago. I cleaned it off and it never returned.