Oil leak

KATLUNSFORD

MEMBER
2007 PONTIAC G6
3.5L
V6
2WD
AUTOMATIC
244,700 MILES

Found oil stains on driveway, when checking out the problem seemed like oil was leaking around oil filter itself. Changed oil filter and performed oil change as well and did good for a while. Now the oil leak is back with a vengeance and definitely worse than before.

Smelling burnt/burning oil, will see white smoke coming from under front end, and now I'm hearing what I think is a lifter tapping.

I'm at my wits end with this car, especially since I have done just about everything under the hood except rebuilding engine and transmission. I'm seriously considering either letting the car self destruct itself or scrapping it just because it's becoming a monster with a vicious appetite for problems.

6 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

Welcome to 2CarPros.

I need you to check a couple things. First, it is very easy to double gasket an oil filter. Basically, when you remove the old filter, the rubber gasket sticks to the engine and unknowingly, you replace the filter with a new gasket. It can leak bad.

Next, the oil pressure switch/sensor can also cause a leak. I attached a picture to help locate it. Picture 2

Last, does this vehicle have an oil cooler? (Picture 3)

Let me know. Make sure nothing is mixing with the oil (coolant).

Joe

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Wednesday, July 31st, 2019 AT 8:11 PM

KATLUNSFORD

MEMBER
11 POSTS

1. I'm 100% positive that with the last oil change, when the old filter was removed the old gasket came off completely. I used a good hand-held spotlight and wiped the area with a shop towel, and made sure to not over tighten the new filter.

2. The oil pressure switch was replaced May 10, 2018. I actually had to go purchase a 3/8" drive, 27mm deep well socket just to remove the old one and install the new part.

3. Now the oil cooler I'm not exactly sure about. Honestly, with as many times as I have been under the hood and underneath the car within the last year alone, I really don't remember seeing that particular part.

Of course, during the time I have been working on the car I could simply have over looked it.

** Would I have noticed the oil cooler while replacing the transmission cooling lines or the Dorman heater hoses (OEM listed replacement, metal lines as opposed to "hoses")?

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Wednesday, July 31st, 2019 AT 10:23 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

Welcome back:

I think I know what is happening. There is a housing that bolts to the block and the oil filter screws onto that housing. I bet that is the problem. Take a look at the picture I attached. I highlighted the part I am referring to.

Here are the names of the parts highlighted.

53 - Oil Filter Bypass Valve
54 - Oil Filter Adapter Gasket
55 - Oil Filter Adapter

__________________________

Here are the directions for removal and replacement.

_______________________
OIL FILTER ADAPTER REMOVAL
Oil Filter Adapter Removal

pic 2

1. Remove the oil filter adapter heat shield nuts.
2. Remove the oil filter adapter heat shield (2).
3. Remove the oil filter adapter bolts.
4. Remove the oil filter adapter (1) and gasket.

_______________________

Let me know if that is the problem. I'm nearly 100% confident on this.

Take care,
Joe

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Thursday, August 1st, 2019 AT 7:00 PM

KATLUNSFORD

MEMBER
11 POSTS

I think this may actually work, especially since I haven't noticed any burnt smell or any white smoke coming from under the front end.

Thank you so much for the how to instructions and diagram(s). I have now added another skill and proven to my daughter that even though my Primary field is Body & Paint work, that I can still learn something new about a vehicle - even my own - and be able to fix the problem.

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Tuesday, August 6th, 2019 AT 9:42 PM

KATLUNSFORD

MEMBER
11 POSTS

Okay, two more questions.

1.) Specs show my 2007 G6 should have 4 wheel ABS. Problem is, when I replaced the front wheel bearing/hub assembly units on both front sides, they were not set up for ABS. I couldn't find anything ABS related. What could possibly be the reason?

2.) If I have to pull out my engine for a full overhaul, would it be possible to change the engine and transmission (my transmission is 4 speed automatic) for a matching 3.5L engine size and a 6 speed transmission out of a 2007 G6 GT?

I'm well aware that an attempt of this mechanical repair/level is above my experience, but I do have an experienced mechanic willing to help me with the necessary work. I'm just grateful for any experience I can gain, especially given that it would boost my credibility within my own body/paint work field.