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SHOULD I BUY THE 2004 Grand Prix GTP WITH THE OIL LEAK???????

M

MikeJam

New member
I am currently looking to buy a 2004 Grand Prix GTP. I read that these 3800 engines have a common problem where the intake manifold gasket goes bad and leaks oil. In some cases coolant can even mix with the oil.

So I go to the dealership a few days ago to check out the car. Check out the link to the car ad:

· http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/625592123/overview/).

From what I could tell, it was very clean and only had about 77,000 miles on it.

Within 10 minutes of having the car idle, the sales person comes back out and I see a little bit of white smoke (not much) coming from the front of the engine. It was a few drops of oil hitting the hot manifold and burning off.

The car is in impeccable shape other than having this common problem.

My question to the experts is, given the low mileage and clean car facts report, should I risk having them fix it and buy the car? Is there a chance that they fix it but there is some major damage that it caused? I don’t want to find out 5,000 miles from now.

Thanks for your time and advice,

Mike Jam
 


Oil hitting the manifold would be a leaky rocker cover gasket. 20 bucks and 20 mins later you have fixed the issue.

The real question is what shape is the LIM in? Do you see any coolant pooling on the intake manifold? anything seem wet down there? Check the oil. If it looks like a milkshake you need to walk away!
 
Didnt even read any responses but you are looking at over 500 dollars in labor to have a shop do that kind of work if it even needs something simple like an oil pan gasket.
 
I'm not worried about the $ aspect of the repair while related to the purchase. What I am concerned with is whether or not the fix will be permanent and that the current scenario hasn't caused any damage that will screw me in the future. I don't want this thing to die befor 100,000. I want to have the car until at least 150,000!!!
 
if you're willing and able to replace the LIM gaskets with new (metal) ones and replace the front valve cover gasket the motor will last a long time long as general maintenance are done accordingly.

i noticed you're in west chester, im in lancaster btw lol.
 


MikeJam said:
Given the information above, would anyone advise me to buy? Walk away?
Click to expand...

I don't know what the problem is.
What seal is leaking oil? & is the shop is fixing it at no cost?
What does the oil look like?
How does the car drive?
Is the transmission sluggish or does it shift like it should?
What state is the LIM in? has it been upgraded to the metal one?
 
Hardlyaninch said:
Didnt even read any responses but you are looking at over 500 dollars in labor to have a shop do that kind of work if it even needs something simple like an oil pan gasket.
Click to expand...

Yarbeau said:
Oil pan gasket is far from simple and quick on these cars...
Click to expand...

Agreed with Yarbeau. Oil pan gasket on these cars isn't as simple as just unbolting the pan and replacing the gasket. It's not a "hard" job to do for someone with basic knowledge, but I would consider it to be a bit more work intensive to fix.

For the OP, the Lower Intake Manifold gaskets will leak - guaranteed, if it still has the plastic gaskets. If they aren't leaking now, it's only a matter of time. If the only issues are the leaking LIM and Valve Cover gaskets, I wouldn't hesitate to buy it. You can replace the LIM gaskets and both Valve Cover Gaskets together in a matter of a few hours. Buy your parts off RockAuto and you'll have everything you need for under $75.
 
Just a heads up you could always drop the subframe to replace the oil pan if you have something to support the weight and tranny from up top. Probably the easier way of doing it without pulling the motor or having to fiddle in a tight area.


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Last edited:
Mike,


Read the posts above and try to understand where the leak is - knowing this will help you make a decision of whether the issue is small or large. Lower Intake Manifold with milkshake oil is a definite walk away, other issues may be an easy fix. An existing issue may be a bargaining chip for you.

I don't even know why people are talking about the oil pan gasket since your leak is near the top of the engine. Based on what you've provided, and as the others have said, your most likely issue is the valve cover gasket (cheap and easy) or the Lower Intake Manifold gasket (cheap but a longer process). Both should have how-to write-ups here if you decide to do them yourself:

http://www.grandprixforums.net/forums/73-How-To-Write-Ups-Tech-Tips
 


if you saw oil smoke its a valve cover gasket gone bad. nothing else smokes. v/c are common enough. mine leaked, now it dont.

my oil pan leaks all over the place, not a hint of seeing or smelling oil from it. even when the oil pressure sensor blew out, still didnt smoke. it all hits the ground.


and tell the dealer to fix it before you buy it. then take it for a good long test drive to make sure its no longer leaking before you sign anything.
 
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