Oldsmobile/Buick Repair: 95 Olds 88 oil leaks, oil pressure sending unit, pan gasket

Question
Had a friend take her car to the shop to be told the following was leaking:

Oil pan gasket
tranny gasket
oil pressure sending unit

The quote was $1200 for fix. I said not to worry about the leaks for that much money. The car has 150,000 miles. I am somewhat mechanically inclined. Before I attempt to tackle some of these, I have a couple of questions.

Where exactly is the oil pressure sending unit?
How hard is it to replace the oil pan gasket?
Would a simple tranny filter service at a shop replace the gasket?

Thanks


Answer
Where exactly is the oil pressure sending unit?

The oil pressure SENDING UNIT is usually located right next to the oil filter. Go to any auto parts store and purchase a new one and this will show you what you are looking for.


How hard is it to replace the oil pan gasket?

In most cases you have to disconnect the engine mounts and numerous wires, hoses and brackets in order to jack up the engine in order to get the oil pan off. In some cases you have to pull the engine out to do it.

It is highly probable that IF the oil pressure sending unit is leaking, the oil is running down the side of the engine an making it appear that the oil pan is leaking. I would replace the sending unit and wait a week or so for the oil to finish dripping off of the engine and the pan gasket area and see if your leak at the pan is no longer present.


Would a simple tranny filter service at a shop replace the gasket?.

Yes, A transmission filter change will necessitate replacing the transmission pan gasket.




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