2000 Deville 4.6 dohc new peoblem

[pianoman2]

2000 Deville 4.6 looks like the ream main seal has started leaking on this engine. Has 108,000 miles and runs good, but can't keep oil in it now. Last month it had a vacuum leak and then brakes and now this. Looks like a bear to do. Any tips or suggestions? Is there anything else in that area that could leak like that? I think this one is going to give me a run for my money.

[caddydaddy]

Are you sure it's the rear main seal, and not something else near it? Like an oil cooler line, or????
To repair the rear seal, you're probably going to have to at least trop the transaxle to get to it. So yeah, it's going to be a bear to fix!

[DFBonnett]

Take a look at the oil filter and the lines to and from the oil filter adapter. You may have to remove the air filter housing to get a good look.

[caddydaddy]

Originally Posted by DFBonnett

Take a look at the oil filter and the lines to and from the oil filter adapter. You may have to remove the air filter housing to get a good look.

I think you're thinking of the 4.X series engines. The oil filter on the Northstar is underneath and on the opposite side of the engine from the air filter housing. But a leaking oil cooler line near there may be the source of the leak.

[DFBonnett]

My bad. You're absolutely correct. I do concur that the problem is more likely something like a loose connection rather than a seal. The OP need to look carefully in the area of the filter. Unless he changed the oil himself and verified that the filter gasket came off with the filter, there is the possibility that it remained on the adapter and the new filter was just installed on top of it. That will produce the leak from Hell.

[pianoman2]

The oil filter is no where near where this leak is. The end of the pan between the transaxle and the rest of the engine is wet, and the crossover pipe is wet, dripping with oil. I didn't see oil cooler lines there, but will get back under it and look closer. If there is a cooler line there, it would be nice. I'm not looking forward to tearing this car down to fix it.

The oil filter was my first guess because I have seen the leak when the old gasket didn't come off, but this filter is dry on the outside, so no leak there.

Doesn't the oil cooler lines come off the oil filter adapter?

Anything is better than having to pull this engine, how about the oil sending unit, could it be close to that point of even above it? it would have to be at the rear of the engine. Think I'll have another look.

Any more suggestions is certainly welcome.

[pianoman2]

Talked with the local Cadillac dealer, they said the could replace the rear seal for $695.00 parts and labor. I can't do it myself for that, so in the shop it goes in the morning. They said it would take about two days. Quick enough if they can get it done.

[caddydaddy]

Originally Posted by pianoman2

Talked with the local Cadillac dealer, they said the could replace the rear seal for $695.00 parts and labor.

That doesn't sound too bad. I'm sure most of that is the labor of removing and re-installing the transmission.