1998 Chevy S-10 OIL LEAKS

EPA8310

MEMBER
1998 CHEVROLET S-10
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
98,000 MILES

Hello,
I am in desperate need of advice. I just purchased this vehicle used and have found several problems. The seller is offering to help with any issues I find, but the shop he uses( AND TRUSTS ) is telling him none of the item below are a problem, and that all s10 gaskets (SEEP) so I went to a shop I have used before and am getting told a lot is wrong with the car.
First, there is a lot of oil formed on and around the oil pan, ( ALSO TOLD VALVE COVER GASKETS ARE LEAKING)but none ever seems to leaks onto the ground. Does that indicate that the gasket needs changing? I took it to a shop for an estimate and was told with this model, they have to remove the engine to replace the oil pan gasket $900 approx. Is that true? Second, the oil pressure gauge at idle reads roughly 15-20, when driving it gets up to approx 40. Is that a problem? Can that be an effect of a leaking oil pan and valve cover gaskets? Should a code show for this when scanned by a shop

This last issue is not oil leak related, starting to drive, at 20 - 30 mph there is a shutter I feel it is each and every time, any thoughts

1 Reply

PEAR69

MECHANIC
1,482 POSTS

The engine indeed should be removed to properly replace the oil pan gasket. While the engine is out it is best to also replace the rear main oil seal. Leaking valve cover gaskets rarely leave any oil spots on the ground. The leaking oil is usually burned up on the hot engine block and/or the exhaust.
With 98000 miles on this engine - and while the oil pan is off - it is best to replace the oil pump and pick up screen, because removal of the pan is necessary to replace it. As far as the oil pressure goes, it seems to be a little low, and if you are replacing the oil pan gasket - change the pump and see what happens. Low oil pressure can be several things - from the oil pump to the main bearing clearance.

As far as the shuttering goes, check all suspension parts - shocks, tie rods, steering linkage ETC. Also, check the alignment and ballance the wheels.