my supercharger is leaking oil from one of the gaskets...i was told this is not too serious?

Answer 1

Oil leakage is a bad sign. I'm not sure what type of supercharger you have but if it is an Eaton, which is common on most factory applications then you must get it rebuilt or you can simply replace the front nose cone. Basically the oil is needed to keep the bearings inside of the supercharger lubricated. Without the oil it will cause the bearings to basically fall apart, which will be disastrous and you will end up spending a lot more money down the long run.

What basically happens is the oil will start to leak and over a short period of time all the oil will be drained from the supercharger. Since the supercharger is self contained it means that it does not get oil from the engine, so once the oil is gone from the supercharger it basically is left dry and it will cause your bearings inside the supercharger to go bad. Once the bearings go bad it can cause your rotors and gears to be damaged and if that happens you are looking at several thousand dollars in damage.

The sad part about the Eaton superchargers is that a seal cannot just be purchased. You either have to get a new unit, which is ridicules cause they cost around $1,200 and up. Or you can get a rebuilt for around $375-$949. Rebuilds units have a lifetime warranty so it is the better way to go. Or you can just replace the front nose cone for around $299.00 but these don’t have any warranty. Those are pretty much the only options for these Eaton superchargers.

Now the longer you wait the more it will end up costing you. If the seal is just leaking then the main supercharger core is not going to be damaged. Over time if you let the supercharger fully break you have a chance that the internal gears, shaft, and rotors to be damaged. Once those items are damaged they cannot be repaired and you will lose your core charge, which will cost you a lot more money.

I’m not sure how old your car is but you might want to see if it is still covered under warranty. If not…get it repaired right away for it will cost a lot more to repair as time goes by. Going to the dealership will cost a lot more since they like to charge full retail price. In fact it will cost around $500-$1500 more. I would suggest looking for a rebuilt unit online and then having an ASE mechanic or even the dealership to install it. This will cost around $500-$900 for it to be fully repaired.

Answer 2

if a supercharger is leaking it may not get the oil pressure it needs and burn the bearings most leaks on those are the intake and its going to get worse. the intake swells and shrinks when hot and cold and loosens to bolts after time. which in turn causes the gaskets to leak not just oil but water and air also. and that can make your engine stumble and stall when cold. if its not the intake part leaking. i would replace it anyways sense you have it apart anyway. these also crack over time.here is a price for the intake.
1380000 GM, 1995-05, INTAKE MANIFOLD (UPPER,W/O SUPERCHARGER), 3.8L (V-6) VIN K
Price: $150.95
All Gaskets & O-Rings included with every kit

here is a link to a removal guide to do it your self.

yes it will over time just get worse and wear out faster. just like a turbo you need oil flow or it heats up and will seize.
here is another link to low priced superchargers

Answer 3

If it is a leak, fix it!! If the oil is just sweating out, not to worry. Either way do not let a supercharger run without oil as it won't last very long and these are major league expensive!!!

Answer 4

Jessie is right !!! The supercharger oil is VERY IMPORTANT!! Ya need to fix the leak. Have you priced the supercharger oil? The supercharger is at least $2500 and that is the GM emp price. Figure your price is at least $4000-$5000

Answer 5

Hey, This can be very serious. The supercharger depends on this oil , just as your engine does. You need to replace the gasket pronto, cause a new one is not cheap, it could also cause engine failure if it blows chunks into your intake. Good luck!

Answer 6

IT IS.... in a while itll leak alot... change it... it could end up clogging your supercharger!!!