2000 Chevrolet Venture

I replaced the starter about a year ago. I noticed (not for the first time) that there was quite a bit of oil on the underside of the engine. I didn’t take the advice to clean all the contacts while i had them off, remove any grease/oil/residue. Had a few rough starts after, but then everything was fine. It happens once every few months, and I’ve been meaning to get under it again and clean it all up.

I know there is an oil leak on this vehicle - I add a quart of oil every few months. But due to the fact that I kind of wish it would die, I never tried to find the leak. Besides, what is a Chef going to do to an oil leak?

I got under it today and removed the contacts, cleaned them, and replaced them - making sure everything was clean and tight.

While testing my work, before lowering the vehicle, I noticed an aggressive drip. Right onto the starter… It is at its worst while the engine is running. This is on the front end of the engine, following the dipstick tube down (it’s the black tube on the left) Any one know what this part is? How to get to it/replace it?
This is the clipped version of the video, and I rotated it as well since I had to go in upside down.
Full length film to follow...
http://youtu.be/DXOYsFXN-jk

 

I would guess that's a sensor, either oil pressure or oil temperature.

BTW, would be more convenient if you changed the settings on your video to allow it to run embedded...


View Screen Capture

 

Noted on both. It’s been a while since I’ve used youtube...

 

Found a diagram…



Autozone says part is $9.00

Can this be too good to be true?

 

Looks like the oil is just leaking out of the seat... my guess is that it only needs a washer/grommet/o-ring.

 

Oil resistant Teflon tape on threads. Hoping threads are not bad.

 

I'm guessing oil pressure. Yes, oil pressure senders are pretty cheap and eventually they start to leak from the body through the plug. I've never had one on the wrecker leak from the block threads, but have replaced a few leaking from the body. The new plug may come with a thread sealant already on the threads.

 

I would call that the left side of the engine.

 

Not on a transverse mount

 

I had to replace this on my 2001 Monte Carlo, you will need a 'special' sensor socket though. I paid 15 for the sensor but the socket was 21 at Oreilly. This could be your problem though, I was worried that the oil pan gasket blew but found this was the problem. It only takes a few minutes to replace at least on my car.

quick edit, the_tow_guy is correct, the sensor came with sealant on it.

 

Some auto part stores will loan or rent you the socket for little or no money.

 

AutoZone makes you pay for the loaner tool but then gives you all the money back when you return it.

 

I don't know what difference the mounting makes. The front of the engine is the front of the engine no matter how it is mounted.

 

This leak killed the starter. Got a new one on warranty, replaced the sensor while the strarter was out. All better! Van starts and no leak.