Oil leaks-Fix, Sell, or Live with it?

[AlphaAssault]

I was having a hell of a time trying to track down a persistent oil leak without the aid of a lift or ramps. So I run it down to the shop and ask them to jack it up. Not long after, the shop guys take me out there to show me the problem: There are small oil leaks from around the oil pump and oil pan, and one other tiny leak around the crank seal. Estimated cost to repair was about $1000. Well **** me, I dont have that kind of money to spend on an oil leak. A small one at that. So, I come to you guys for assistance. I was wondering how long a small oil leak from those areas will take to grow into something substantially more significant. Heres what Im thinking, if those leaks remain as small as they are now, and dont get any worse, I will keep the car. However, if they get worse, or are likely to get worse, I will sell it. I have a friend that really likes that car, really wants one, and has enough money to throw around that he will be able to take care of the leak no prob. So, I really need some help on this one. I love having a GSX, and it will slay me if I have to sell it. But if it comes down to selling it or fixing it, I really dont have a choice, Ill have to sell it.

 

[absolute_DSM]

If you cant work on these cars on your own, you have no chance (financially) of keeping it.

 

[AlphaAssault]

I can do certain things, i.e. radiator, power steering pump, etc... However I have neither the tools or the facilities to undertake any major repairs. Im not modding this car at all, I just wanted a DD. Ive been good about fixing what I could, this is the first thing I dont think I can do with what I have available. But all this is a little off topic, I would like to know how fast the drips will turn into a torrent, so I can sell it before that happens.

 

[absolute_DSM]

However I have neither the tools or the facilities to undertake any major repairs.............the first thing I dont think I can do with what I have available

Again... if you dont have the means, you just dont have it. Just my opinion. Im a straight ass.

 

[rossb]

It is not hard at all to replace the oil pan gasket, its just a lot of work(just did it with my dad). In our case you have to remove the drivers side front axle, transfer case and a few others to drop the oil pan. If the oil pan was over tightened(like mine was) and has nipples from being over tightened, just replace it($60 from advanced auto), along with new gasket on it and its good. And the oil pump gasket is only like $20 bucks or so. The only tool you will need to buy that you don't have(hopefully you have a decent set of tools) is a 32mm socket to get the axle off($14, and a friend that sucker is on there tight). As for the crank leak, I don't have a clue. As for not having ramps, do it the true DSM way and jack the thing up and sit it on some blocks.

 

[architechnik]

Mine has had several leaks for quite some time. Most are quite small and have remained so up until this winter. With the harsh temps here and the metal expanding and contracting some of these leaks have turned into floodgates wide open. I've ordered some gaskets and I'll be doing the work this next weekend.

You should be able to go about six months with little or no problems, but if you are just now noticing the leak, it may have already been there for quite a few months. Maintaining constant oil levels will be the hardest problem.

If you're still unsure about the costs, try taking it to another shop. I'm assuming that the estimates given were for the labor, as the gaskets shouldn't cost much and I don't see a reason to replace all the parts. If you could find a wrench monkey that works because they love cars then it will most likely be cheaper than any of the chains, especially when dealing with vehicles as old as ours.

 

[GofaST4life]

i agree with abosoluteDSM, if ya cant do the work, cut your loses, ya its going to suck but if thats your best option, then use your head...

or you could spend a little money, get some tools, some car stands and do some research and maybe you can fix it yourself...

just my .02 though

good luck...

 

[92_talon_awd]

I agree that the oil pan and oil pump shouldn't be a major issue to deal with. It's simple and as with almost all things mechanical, just requires patience . The crank leak is another story. If you don't have the money or the means to fix it yourself, you're pretty much taking a risk everytime you start the engine. As a mechanic, I'd tell you there is no way anyone can estimate how long before the trickles become torrents. Your best bet would be to check it a couple times a week to make sure it isn't getting worse. Also keep an eye on your oil level to make sure it isn't overfilled and also to make sure you don't suddenly start losing large amounts of fluid.

 

[AlphaAssault]

You should be able to go about six months with little or no problems, but if you are just now noticing the leak, it may have already been there for quite a few months. Maintaining constant oil levels will be the hardest problem.

It has just started doing it. Ive been keeping an eye out for leaks ever since I replaced the radiator, and this week is the first time its leaked from this spot. At any rate, Im a little distressed at the moment. Im almost positive I could sell it as is, but there are no guarantees if the leak gets worse. Also, a friend of mine is going into a technical school in a few days, and they have facilities for all sorts of car repairs. if Im lucky, I could take it there and we could all work on it for a day or two. But now Im just thinking out loud. Any other suggestions on how to approach this situation are welcome.

 

[eclipsemustang]

i love having a lift to use it makes everything easier, but if i were you i wouldn't sell my car right now just because of a few leaks, like rossb said it wasnt hard or expensive for him, and atleast its not leaking because of something more serious.

 

[drewvr4]

your kidding, doing a oil pump is not an easy feat...i would suggest selling as it will get worse.

 

[eagletalonjohn]

owning a dsm is fun. but when it is time to fix it , thats a different story. your life goes like this. wakeup in the morning,go to work,come home eat dinner fast,stay up to midnight and fix your car. if you have no idea on how to repair your broken car sell it. mechanics will rape you everytime.

 

[AlphaAssault]

So, here are the specifics. The leak coming from the oil pump isnt bad enough to leave drops on the ground. Theres just a little on the pump itself. If there is a leak at the crank seal, its like the one at the pump, there isnt enough flow to start dripping. The worst leak now seems to be coming from the oil pan. As far as I can tell, thats the only place thats producing a drip that is able to make it to the ground. I tried to fix a power steering leak; so while one little puddle is certainly oil, Im trying to figure out if the bigger puddle is oil or PS fluid. More when I know.