Oil pan gasket leak?

[Chris2088]

Okay, about two months ago I noticed around the top of my oil pan where it bolts in, there was oil around it. And it was slowly leaking down the oil pan. My brother changed my oil about 5 weeks ago(I was out of town) and now the leak is getting worse. There is oil starting to drip onto the exhaust pipe under the oil pan. I found out he put in some synthetic Q horsepower oil or some crap like that. And I've read that synthetic oil isnt a good idea in older engines. And its a 1997 with 110k miles on it. So what I'm wondering is, is it most likley an oil pan gasket leak? Or could it be a rear main seal leaking? I havent noticed my clutch slipping or anything out of the ordinary. ANd if it is the oil pan gasket, how big of a deal is it? Quite expensive and time consuming? Do they typically leak? I'm losing about a quart every 1,200 miles.

[Rob Bell]

Re: Oil pan gasket leak?

I would try tightening the bolts that hold the pan on. I haven't had a leaky oil pan, but on one of my other cars the valve cover bolts loosened and it was leaking oil all over. Maybe the pan bolts are just working their way loose.

[cam98aro]

Re: Oil pan gasket leak?

I would try tightening the bolts that hold the pan on. I haven't had a leaky oil pan, but on one of my other cars the valve cover bolts loosened and it was leaking oil all over. Maybe the pan bolts are just working their way loose.

that would probably cause the leak to get worse, over tightening those bolts is bad

[Tom Rs]

Re: Oil pan gasket leak?

prob the rear main seal, very common on our cars

[3.8Fury]

Re: Oil pan gasket leak?

prob the rear main seal, very common on our cars

yup very common!!! Good thing it cost me only 200..

[cam98aro]

Re: Oil pan gasket leak?

yup very common!!! Good thing it cost me only 200..

the seal costs that much money?

[Chris2088]

Re: Oil pan gasket leak?

If it was the rear main seal wouldnt it be messing up my clutch though? It seems to be fine. Also, would it be worth waiting until I change my clutch to get it done or what? We looking at a lot of money?