What would cause this oil leak

[Ratchey]

So I am in the middle of repairing a coolant leak in the exhanger plate and when I pulled off the intake I found oil around each port.
What would be the cause of something like this?
Thanks.

 

[sdnative]

How many hours do you estimate this job will end up taking you? I have the same issue and am debating on fixing it myself or taking to a shop.

 

[bjowett]

Just residual oil from crank case venting.

 

[Ratchey]

Just residual oil from crank case venting.

Thanks. That is what I was hoping to hear

How many hours do you estimate this job will end up taking you? I have the same issue and am debating on fixing it myself or taking to a shop.

That is a really good question. I am in it for about 7 hours so far but only about 4-5 of that is on the repair. I am over half way complete though as I got the air pumps back in. (most of the time is spent on those 4 bolts)

I have had to do a lot of cleaning, and I dropped one of the air pump bolts twice and both times were a nightmare to locate, and dropped one of the air pump gaskets which was also fun to find.

I drained the coolant from the radiator but it turns out that is not enough so had a nice coolant spill all over the skid plates and garage floor. Quite a bit is still contained above the heat exchanger plate.

I also only have about 80% use of my hands so holding small things and trying to thread bolts by hand takes me longer.

I think if I could find the mechanics that can do this in 5 hours I wouldn't hesitate to pay them to do it. Just having a hard time swallowing the bill for 12 hours which is what 3 different mechanics around here quoted me (including the dealer).

 

[bloc]

Sounds like it’s too late but there is a coolant drain on the passenger side of the block that is very easy to get to with a lot of extensions.

If you look in the wheel well toward the side of the engine just in line with the front of the spring perch, in the gap behind the rubber water/dirt flap that connects from the body to the frame you’ll see a small spout on the block. IIRC it’s a 10mm head and not too tight. You can even put hose over the end of the spout and collect the drained coolant easily out the bottom.

There is one on the driver side too but it’s harder to get to and the other one should get the level low enough for this job.

 

[Ratchey]

Sounds like it’s too late but there is a coolant drain on the passenger side of the block that is very easy to get to with a lot of extensions.

If you look in the wheel well toward the side of the engine just in line with the front of the spring perch, in the gap behind the rubber water/dirt flap that connects from the body to the frame you’ll see a small spout on the block. IIRC it’s a 10mm head and not too tight. You can even put hose over the end of the spout and collect the drained coolant easily out the bottom.

There is one on the driver side too but it’s harder to get to and the other one should get the level low enough for this job.

Thanks. Yeah, I know where they are as I just did the radiator and water pump a few months ago. I had just read on there that someone had emptied the coolant from the radiator and I didn't see any follow up that it wasn't enough so I took my chances. It wasn't enough

I seem to learn life lessons the hard way.

 

[sdnative]

Thanks, good info.

I have a cracked radiator and valley leak so I'll be doing both soon. May as well do the water pump, idler, etc while I'm in there.

Is it worthwhile to change the starter since I'll have the intake off? No issues with it yet. 2013 LC w/65k.

 

[Ratchey]

Thanks, good info.

I have a cracked radiator and valley leak so I'll be doing both soon. May as well do the water pump, idler, etc while I'm in there.

Is it worthwhile to change the starter since I'll have the intake off? No issues with it yet. 2013 LC w/65k.

I don't think so as I believe the starter in under the exhaust manifold and not the intake manifold. It looks like you go at it through the wheel well. And I think you are fine for now on the starter. My understanding is that they are a 100-125k issue. I am a 2009 with 85K and it is fine so far. Probably will do it later this year or next year.

 

[sdnative]

OK that makes sense then. I was thinking of the 100 series starter.

 

[bloc]

Yeah the only crossover in these two jobs is removing the air cleaner and intake duct.. a 10 minute job at best. Everything else is through the wheel well and under the truck.

 

[Ratchey]

I finished up today. kook about another 90 min to put the rest of the engine together and fill the radiator.
I sure hope this worked.