1997 Chevy Monte Carlo Oil leak

GSB55

MEMBER
1997 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
73,357 MILES

I have a 1997 Chevy Monte Carlo Z34 with a 3.4 litre engine that has an oil leak. I cannot seem to find the source, it appears to be coming from the right hand side of the engine (which is transverse mounted so I believe that part to be the actual rear of the engine) and dripping onto the frame under the engine (the crossbar under the engine). My question is, is there a common problem with one of the seals and which one should I address my attention to to eliminate the leak? At this point it is not pouring out but it is a steady drip while running. Any help you can provide will be useful. Thank you.

Friday, May 9th, 2008 AT 5:13 AM

2 Replies

MHPAUTOS

MECHANIC
31,937 POSTS

Hi there,

you may have a leaking rear main oil seal, this is the seal at the end of the crank shaft. All engines have the seal and it is not that uncommon for it to fail. I would have the engine washed and inspected after a short run to make sure as if it is the rear main seal, the transmission must be removed. Just make sure that the sump is not the problem first.

Mark (mhpautos)

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Friday, May 9th, 2008 AT 5:44 AM

SPIFFYSPARKY

MEMBER
1 POST

In case you haven't found your leak yet, I would suggest the Oil Pump Drive seal. Only problem is you have to go through the head to fix. I had the same problem on mine. Had a GM Mechanic help me with it and he was able to jimmy a fix that didn't require going through the head but it was a little complicated.

If you would like the details, send me a message and I'll try to describe the best I can. The leak started as drips and was only happening while the car was running. After a year or so, it was a puddle in less than 5 mins.

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

+1

Thursday, June 19th, 2008 AT 7:41 PM