djrobnyc Posted October 20, 2008 Report Share Posted October 20, 2008 I had a 1995 Olds Cutlass Convertible inspected by CARCHEX at a dealer. The inspector found a few cosmetic issues, but this one mechanical issue: "THERE IS AN ENGINE OIL LEAK FROM AN UNKNOWN SOURCE" I followed up to get more detail and this is what he said: "The entire undercarriage is oil saturated. There was no way to get the vehicle in the air so the inspector could not determine the source of the oil leak. The inspector feels this warrants an urgent repair. There is a heavy amount of oil on the undercarriage." Any thoughts? Should I walk away? No blue smoke was noted, so I assume it's not internal as well (Please keep in mind my mechanical ability is limited). Thank you. (pictures of oil on undercarriage attached) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chadz34 Posted October 21, 2008 Report Share Posted October 21, 2008 That undercarriage looks PERFECT look at the lines! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldscsc Posted October 21, 2008 Report Share Posted October 21, 2008 I would stay away, or offer to buy it (probably not at full price) if they fix the oil leak. Cleaning the undercarriage might hide the problem if it is a slow leak, so make sure they don't spray it and leave the engine alone. I, personally, would wait for another one to come along that's in better shape. I'd say this one has taken its fair share of abuse. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
95 vert Posted October 21, 2008 Report Share Posted October 21, 2008 Most common cause is the oil pump drive o-ring. There may be a post here? on it. To gain access requires removing the back head. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GP1138 Posted October 21, 2008 Report Share Posted October 21, 2008 I would stay away, or offer to buy it (probably not at full price) if they fix the oil leak. Cleaning the undercarriage might hide the problem if it is a slow leak, so make sure they don't spray it and leave the engine alone. Spraying the undercarriage will clear the existing dirt and grime, which will allow you to see where it hits first, once it is clean under there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldscsc Posted October 21, 2008 Report Share Posted October 21, 2008 I would stay away, or offer to buy it (probably not at full price) if they fix the oil leak. Cleaning the undercarriage might hide the problem if it is a slow leak, so make sure they don't spray it and leave the engine alone. Spraying the undercarriage will clear the existing dirt and grime, which will allow you to see where it hits first, once it is clean under there. Yep, but if it is a slow leak the OP might not be able to catch it in time. Since he hasn't been able to inspect it (assuming he doesn't have access because of the inspector). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
djrobnyc Posted October 21, 2008 Author Report Share Posted October 21, 2008 Thanks for all of your posts so far. I am in NY, the car is about 300 miles away. So I my plan was to head there and drive it back. Price is $3400 right now (103,000 miles). Everything else checked out mechanically. There are some cosmetic issues (paint was listed as "fair") and usual weatherstripping, but overall, it's decent. I wouldn't be able to inspect further, unless I insisted they bring it somewhere else, but I don't know if I have any leverage with a local place - that's why I used CARCHEX since it's independent. If I keep an eye on the oil level, would I be okay, or could I drive the car away and have all the oil come out? They are offering a 30 day/1200 mile "50-50" warranty, so maybe I could have them put in the deal that if I use "XXX quarts by 30 days" they will repair? Any thoughts? I have been having a hard time finding these - as you all know how rare they are - and the other ones I've seen are either in poor condition or well beyond my budget - $4,500 and up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GP1138 Posted October 21, 2008 Report Share Posted October 21, 2008 I can say with about 75% certainty that the oil is coming from the oil pump drive seal. With that mileage it's almost inevitable that they start leaking. I've got the same issue, and I drive the car daily. You just have to keep an eye on the oil level. I lose about a quart a week. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andrew Posted October 21, 2008 Report Share Posted October 21, 2008 that oil leak is pricy to have done at a mechanic too. it is NO easy feat to pull the rear head and mess with the timing on that engine if you arent familiar with it. how much are they asking? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
djrobnyc Posted October 21, 2008 Author Report Share Posted October 21, 2008 Price right now is: $3,400. (That's down from $4,500). There are some cosmetic things, but mechanically the car seems sound (as per the inspection I paid for), except for the oil leak. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
djrobnyc Posted October 21, 2008 Author Report Share Posted October 21, 2008 UPDATE: Seller said he will have the car's undercarriage degreased/washed and put on a lift to check it out. Obviously, this means I will have to take his word/trust him as to what he tells me, but any advice on what I should ask/do at this point? Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crazy K Posted October 21, 2008 Report Share Posted October 21, 2008 if it is what you want... go for it. I think I asked.... Are you car capable? can you fix minor to moderate issues if you had to? could you do an intake gasket by yourself, for instance? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
djrobnyc Posted October 21, 2008 Author Report Share Posted October 21, 2008 Totally not car capable. I am not bad at understanding/helping to diagnose, but I wouldn't fix anything myself. Since I plan to keep the car for a while, I would probably get an extended warranty, which requires ASE mechanics to maintain the car. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crazy K Posted October 21, 2008 Report Share Posted October 21, 2008 personally... I tell anyone who is NOT car capable... that they should learn to walk! you will be very hard pressed to get anyone to properly fix that oil leak... since most shops will look up the info and say "you have to remove the head???" and walk you out the door. techincally, fixing it without removing the head is Ghetto Rigging...... and you'd have to find someone familiar with DOHC V6s to be willing to try for less than $$$$$$$$$$$$ Your best bet is to print out the instructions on how to fix a dohc V6 oil leak, and show it to your local shop and see if they would do it. if they will... take the plunge. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
djrobnyc Posted October 21, 2008 Author Report Share Posted October 21, 2008 Thanks for this info. Unfortunately, I live in New York - where I barely have room to park the car, let alone work on it! I know I'm asking this based on you not seeing the car, but is this something that I just have to stay on top of - and add oil - if I don't want to fix it ASAP? Or are you recommending this issue get fixed immediately? Are the instructions for doing this fix somehwere on this website? Or do I have to find a shop manual? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GP1138 Posted October 21, 2008 Report Share Posted October 21, 2008 Thanks for this info. Unfortunately, I live in New York - where I barely have room to park the car, let alone work on it! I know I'm asking this based on you not seeing the car, but is this something that I just have to stay on top of - and add oil - if I don't want to fix it ASAP? Or are you recommending this issue get fixed immediately? Are the instructions for doing this fix somehwere on this website? Or do I have to find a shop manual? If you're going to drive it, stay on top of it. You can tell it's getting low when you hear lifters tick, but I don't recommend you wait that long. Drive it and see how fast it leaks, and if you go from full on the dipstick to lifters ticking within a few days, I'd recommend you get it fixed. If you can go a couple weeks... just stay on top of the oil level. I personally wait till the lifters tick, because I can go a few weeks till I'm at that point. Oh yeah, and be prepared for a hell of a bill at whatever shop you can get that will take the engine. Like others have said... tearing the engine down that much requires a lot of labor. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andrew Posted October 22, 2008 Report Share Posted October 22, 2008 at that price i would walk away. it should be in the mid $2000 range with that leak IMO. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcbfarm Posted October 25, 2008 Report Share Posted October 25, 2008 You sound like a bad fit for the 3.4 DOHC engine, which by the way is too strong for the stock AT... it's marginally more powerful but the 3.1 is more reliable, a better fit to the tranny, and far easier to work on -- and mechanics are more familiar with it. The 3.4 DOHC is a novelty for its power and history, but somewhat fragile. I have one but the first owner was an angel who only used AMS 0W30 oil and kept it garaged in CA, and I rarely if ever take it over 4k rpm. With any oil leak, you should not buy unless you identify the source exactly and know you can fix it or afford it. I'd look for a 3.1, and consider buying at a distance, use an independent inspector, and fly to pick it up. NY and New England cars are notorious for underbody rot and punishment. Try for Arizona or CA, use an ASE inspector, and the rust-free future you have will more than pay for the trip -- plus you get a bit of vacation Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GPX Posted October 25, 2008 Report Share Posted October 25, 2008 I have one (DOHC) but the first owner was an angel who only used AMS 0W30 oil and kept it garaged in CA, and I rarely if ever take it over 4k rpm. How on earth can you do that? I can barely drive 25 when required! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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