2000 Chevy Malibu Oil Leak

Tiny
AKBIDWELL
  • MEMBER
  • 2000 CHEVROLET MALIBU
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 187,000 MILES
I have a slow oil leak (one quart in 6 months / 6k miles). I was informed of the leak by Wal Mart automotive personnel when I had my oil changed. I took the car to a nearby auto repair shop and was told I have a problem with a seal on the intake manifold. I was also told the repair was 500-600 dollars. I noticed the shop was unusually lacking in customers, although they have a history of being backed up. My question is: Is there a reason for me to be dubious about the diagnosis? I know nothing about vehicle repairs and am afraid I might be getting taken advantage of. Thanks in advance.
Wednesday, November 4th, 2009 AT 8:03 AM

2 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,640 POSTS
Actually, if you are using a quart in 6000 miles, that is really good. Most manufacturers say a quart in 1500 miles is considered normal consumption. Have you noticed any leaks on the driveway or garage floor? If not, this has to be a very small leak and one that shouldn't be too much of a concern. All I can tell you is this. Get a second opinion if you are uncomfortable with the first one. As far as I'm concerned, if they feel it isn't a fire hazard or something that is going to cause more damage (and that small of a leak couldn't do much), I would let it go until it gets bad enough to worry about.

Let me know if you have other questions.
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Thursday, November 12th, 2009 AT 6:22 PM
Tiny
LETTYDELREY
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Unfortuntely there is a problem with the seals on the intake manifold. There was even a lawsuit over this which GM lost and was paying to repair these defective seals.
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Saturday, December 12th, 2009 AT 4:18 AM

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