Hi folks!

I recently bought a beautiful (but well worn) 1992 Buick LeSabre Limited. Interior is mint but exterior has for sure seen better days.

Hadn't had any issues with the engine either and in a way still don't. However, I live in Saskatoon where it will soon be heading sub-zero. So as per the car's manual, I had the car's oil changed from conventional to synthetic.

A week later, I notice these fresh oil drip marks under where I park my car at night: https://imgur.com/a/NvQpf

This morning I checked out under the hood, no oil can be seen there and the oil level is full, if not over full.

But looking underneath the engine from the front of the car, this is what it looks like: https://imgur.com/a/yF9ED

It seems that either the drain plug is leaking or the oil pan gasket is cooked. Other people have theorized that given the car's age and mileage (316000km) that the synthetic oil has degraded sludge that formerly was stopping any leaks from occurring.


Now I've already posted about this on another forum but I came here for a second opinion.

Thoughts or opinions on what action to take from here? Will the shop I had the oil changed at check to see if they put the plug/filter back in properly with no hassle? If the synthetic oil has exposed leaks, will changing back to conventional fix the issue? How much would it cost to have the oil pan gasket replaced on this car?

Thank you all very much !

The first thing that needs to be done is clean up and degrease the bottom end and actually find where the leak is coming from. It could be a valve cover gasket, it could be the rear main, but you won't know until it's cleaned up and trace the leak.

We could theorize all day about why it started dripping oil, but there is grime caked on that pan so it's been leaking for a long time. If not this oil change then the next one might have done it.

_________________
Boost addict


The Fleet:
'93 SSEi - Twincharged + manual Build thread
'97 Camaro - Top swap
'05 STS - V8, AWD, her DD
'92 Trofeo - Fair weather DD
'99 Montana - top swap 3800
'04 Sierra 2500HD - LLY Duramax

Current project:
Something cool, trust me.

Upcoming projects:
'92 Bonneville SSE
'87 LeSabre T-type
'67 LeSabre

Gone to greener pastures:
'84 Sierra Classic - Twin turbo 3800
'97 LeSabre - Top swap

RIP:
'86 LeSabre - pictures
'93 SE - L67