Cadillac Repair: oil leak, cadillac deville concours, crankshaft sensor

Question
1999 Cadillac deville Concours Northstar. Hello, my name is Josh, I am having a problem with an oil leak, it appears to be comming from my oil pan. I was wondering if you would be able to help me out or anything you might know about this problem. Before the leak i would have to put in about 2 qts. of oil in between oil changes . my engine only has 70,000 thousand miles and it my baby.I would greatly appreciate any advise.Thanks

Answer
Hi Josh,

     Leaks on the northstar engine if you are lucky might be the crankshaft sensor o-ring. Most times however it turns out to be where the engine block meets the main bearing saddle and not the oil pan gasket.

     What I would suggest is to raise the car up on ramps or jackstands. Then take some brake clean spray and wash down all the oil from the block. Then start and run the engine to see where the leak is. If you are like most people and the oil leak is at the block to saddle joint. There have been a couple bulletins published that explain how to make the repair. Suffice it to say that this is going to be around a 25 hour job if done correctly and the engine will need to come out and apart on an engine stand.

    Not a job that can be done in the driveway very easily so make sure that the shop you take it to has experience with this repair. Sorry I don't have better news. Bill