Possible Oil Leak Starting

[cerbomark]

I saw a few drops of oil on a small silver looking box which is located just above the oil filter and has two (oil) lines going into the top. The bottow had a drop and the top looked dry. Are these prone to leak? What is it? No measurable oil loss. PS/ I did have my truck undercoated last year and it is possible it s just sweat from the coating. I cleaned it up and will re check in a few days. 2009 5.3, 8K miles.

[MS3DALE]

Mark,Thats a common issue for that gasket to leak above the filter,sometimes it even looks like the filter itself is leaking (IE-Its not tight) when really its the gasket for the cover plate (that plate is where the oil cooler lines go into if you have an auxilary oil cooler)

[cerbomark]

Thanks for the quick info.....

[jbstx]

I may have a similar issue here. 2009 GMC 4X4 wtih 11k miles.

I'll be taking it in to the dealer to see what they say. 3 pictures of my oil leak attached.

I did find this info.

Also, I found the following TSB. This might be the issue. Anyone else having problems with oil leaks on their new 5.3s? Truck only has 3,600 miles on it.

----------------------------------

05-06-01-034J:Engine Oil Leak at Rear Cover Assembly Area

(Engine Block Porosity RTV Repair Procedure) - (Nov 12, 2009)

 

Models: 2004-2007 Buick Rainier

2008-2009 Buick LaCrosse Super, Allure Super (Canada Only)

2005-2010 Cadillac CTS-V

2007-2010 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT

2003-2009 Chevrolet TrailBlazer

2003-2010 Chevrolet Corvette

2004-2006 Chevrolet SSR

2005-2010 Chevrolet Silverado, Silverado SS

2006-2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS

2006-2009 Chevrolet TrailBlazer SS, Impala SS

2007-2010 Chevrolet Avalanche, Suburban, Tahoe

2009-2010 Chevrolet Colorado Pickup

2010 Chevrolet Camaro

2003-2009 GMC Envoy

2003-2010 GMC Sierra

2004-2005 GMC Envoy XUV

2007-2010 GMC Yukon XL, Yukon Denali, Yukon XL Denali

2009-2010 GMC Canyon

2004-2006 Pontiac GTO

2005-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix GXP

2008-2009 Pontiac G8 GT

2009 Pontiac G8 GXP

2005-2009 Saab 9-7X 5.3i

2008-2009 Saab 9-7X Aero

2003-2010 HUMMER H2

2006-2010 HUMMER H3

with 5.3L, 5.7L, 6.0L, 6.2L, 7.0L VORTEC™ GEN III or GEN IV V8 Engine (All Aluminum Block) (RPOs L33, LC9, LH6, LH8, LH9, LM4, LS4, LS1, LS6, L76, L77, LFA, LZ1, LS2, L92, L94, L99, L9H, LS3, LS9, LSA, LS7)

 

This bulletin is being revised to add RPOs and model years. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 05-06-01-034I (Section 06 -- Engine/Propulsion System).

Condition

 

Some customers may comment on an engine oil leak.

 

Cause

Upon initial diagnosis, it may be determined that the leak is coming from the rear cover gasket. This condition may be caused by engine block porosity on the sealing surface. This issue pertains to aluminum block applications only.

 

Correction

Follow the steps for Oil Leak Diagnosis in SI to determine the source of the leak. If the leak has been diagnosed as coming from the engine rear cover assembly, refer to Engine Rear Cover Replacement in SI and remove the engine rear cover assembly. Inspect the engine block and engine rear cover for porosity on the mating surfaces.

• If porosity is found on the engine rear cover (see illustration below), replace the engine rear cover assembly, GM P/N 12633579.

• If porosity is found on the engine block, use the following procedure to apply RTV to repair the engine block porosity.

 

The porosity issue is in the gasket sealing surface at the top of the cover, near the high pressure oil crossover port. Refer to the picture below. The oil leaks by the gasket and runs down the side of the cover, and may appear to be a leak at the t-joint area of the cover. The fix is to replace the cover with GM P/N 12633579. Also, if porosity is found anywhere on the sealing surface of the engine block, use the following procedure to apply RTV to repair the engine block porosity. Refer to the illustration below.

 

Important: Clean any residual oil from the block and cover before applying the sealant in the next step.

 

1. Wipe a small amount of RTV, P/N 12378521 (in Canada, use P/N 88901148), onto the surface using a plastic scraper to fill the porosity.

2. Remove any excess RTV material, especially from inside the high pressure oil passage. Refer to #1 in the above illustration.

3. The joint may be closed immediately after applying the RTV. Total joint time after the RTV has been applied must be under 20 minutes.

 

Important: Refer to Engine Rear Cover Replacement in SI and follow the tightening specifications and sequence.

 

4. Reinstall the engine rear cover using a new gasket and a new crankshaft rear main seal. Refer to Engine Rear Cover Replacement in SI.

 

 

 

Thanks for the quick info.....

[Snow White]

I noticed oil on my filter at my last change and spent hours looking around under there... i have the same issue, i think i'll check it more thoroughly at next oil change, stop at my dealer and see what they'll do.

 

Want to make sure it's the gasket for the oil line connection.

[whizbanger1]

I have a similar issue. My block off plate has a leak but the dealer said it's not covered under powertrain. Makes no sense.

[K1500Tech]

Mine has a simular leak I have a apointment with Mr. Goodwrench in the morning

[K1500Tech]

I'm at the dealer now and they told me that the oil cooler cover and oil pan is leaking.

[whizbanger1]

Dealer fixed my wheel seal under warranty, but told me to get stuffed on the oil cooler block off plate leak so i took it to my mechanic.

[Chris03Silver]

anybody have the part number for the block off plate? I dont have the oil cooler but mine is def. leaking. Dealer only item? or can i get it from autzone/advanced auto and the like?

 

Chris

[pm26]

I have a similar issue. My block off plate has a leak but the dealer said it's not covered under powertrain. Makes no sense.

 

It is covered under "block off plate" warranty.

 

 

Honestly though, this is most certainly covered under the basic "tin foil cover to tin foil cover" warranty.