2003 GMC Sierra Oil Leak

[88 Tracker]

Looking under my truck, it appears that there is a possible oil pan leak and maybe a leak around the round thing next to it on the driver's side.

Regardig the oil pan...is changing the gasket something that a guy with a few tools and a case of beer can handle, or is this a job that should be handled by a mechanic?

also...any ballpark estimates on a mechanics charges for such services???

[Dink81]

If you think it's the oil pan, I would check to make sure all the bolts are tight first. Beats the hell out of changing a gasket out.

[Dbl00CustomBaits]

^^^^^^^^ what he said.

4x4 or 2wd?

[88 Tracker]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by Dbl00CustomBaits &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">^^^^^^^^ what he said.

4x4 or 2wd?
</td></tr></table>

4X4

[88 Tracker]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by Dink81 &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">If you think it's the oil pan, I would check to make sure all the bolts are tight first. Beats the hell out of changing a gasket out. </td></tr></table>

good idea...

it does have 150k on it so I figured it was probably time for someting like that anyways,,,

[Sigma]

You need to clean it all off and then see where the oil is coming from. Baby powder in a sock and dust everything with it. The pan bolts need to be even not super tight.

Could be oil than dripped down from your oil change if someone else did it.

[ol man river]

the round thing next to the oil pan on the drivers side??? maybe the oil filter ?
if you just had your oil changed check for 2 filter gaskets..happens all the time...

[RoadrashPaul]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by ol man river &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">the round thing next to the oil pan on the drivers side??? maybe the oil filter ?
if you just had your oil changed check for 2 filter gaskets..happens all the time...</td></tr></table>

Don't I know TWICE I changed the oil in my wifes Explorer and the old gasket stuck on and I didn't notice. The first time it pumped 3 quarts of oil on the ground in under 5 seconds The second time I must have gotten it tighter as it only leaked about a quart in 30 seconds. Not my brightest moments...

[88 Tracker]

it's not the oil filter, but right behind it...I just don't know what it's call...I think it an oil pressure receiver or something like that...

[88 Tracker]

so after having some time to research it looks like the round piece that also appears to have a leak is the oil level sensor...

[JerryT]

Go get yourself a few cans of brake cleaner...Spray off all the round thingys and everything else till its all nice and clean...run the truck for a bit and get a good strong flashlight and look for the leak and it should be easyer to track.....I wouldnt put my money on the pan gasket

[Baja 252]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by RoadrashPaul &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">

Don't I know TWICE I changed the oil in my wifes Explorer and the old gasket stuck on and I didn't notice. The first time it pumped 3 quarts of oil on the ground in under 5 seconds The second time I must have gotten it tighter as it only leaked about a quart in 30 seconds. Not my brightest moments...</td></tr></table>

Reminds me of a neighbor I had a few years back. He did the same thing, but he wasn't smart enough to turn off the car when saw oil pouring out from under the car. He jumped in the car, backed out of his driveway and pulled up next to the storm drain. He figured it would be better than letting it spill out on his driveway.

Every time, I see the stain of the oil trail going out his driveway and across the street I chuckle.

[lester lewis]

If its the oil level sensor it has a o-ring seal on it. very easy to change just make sure you turn it right it should have a arrow on it. If it does it turns up. I just put one in a large caterpillar engine today. Good luck

[88 Tracker]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by JerryT &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote"> Go get yourself a few cans of brake cleaner...Spray off all the round thingys and everything else till its all nice and clean...run the truck for a bit and get a good strong flashlight and look for the leak and it should be easyer to track.....I wouldnt put my money on the pan gasket</td></tr></table>

I just completed this and cannot find any leaks?? Not sure if I ran it long enough (about 30 mins) or what...

I did change the filter earlier today when I added a few quarts to get home with...I'm hoping some of the earlier posts are correct that it was the filter...

Any other ideas?

[LarryR.]

Take it for a drive and get it up to operating temp.
Some times it takes the higher rpms while driving rather than the idle rpms to cause leaks to occur. The higher rpms increase the oil pressure and the higher operating temp will cause different parts/materails to expand possible allowing things to leak.
If you thought the press switch was leaking, I would drive it then re check it.
Good luck.