I took my car car to the cadillac dealer with an oil leak, and they said it was the valve cover gaskets which i had fixed and it was about $1000. It did not fix the oil leak. I then took it back and then they said it was the head gasket and said it would be $3300.
2007-08-17 15:35:06 · 7 answers · asked by db0122whyknot 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Yes, they can leak externally as well as internally. Sounds a bit pricey for what you are describing.
2007-08-17 16:55:27 · answer #1 · answered by Squiggy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Usually the head gasket leaks anti-freeze but I suppose it can leak oil too. When your radiator is cool look into it to see if there is any oil or if the anti- freeze is discolored or foamy. If so you definitely have a bad head gasket. If not it doesn't mean that it isn't bad.
Next after you get your $1000 back take your car to have the engine steam cleaned or clean it good with a degreaser. After the engine is dry start it up and look for leaks. If and when you find the source of the leak find someone you trust or get a shop manual that can tell you what that part is where the oil is coming from so you have knowledge to throw at the mechanic. And find another mechanic. A head gasket is a pain to get to but $3,300 sounds high to me and $1,000 is ridiculous for valve cover gaskets.
I hate ripoff garages. Good Luck
2007-08-17 22:53:05 · answer #2 · answered by blastabuelliac 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Those prices are outrages. I would say it is still the valve cover gasket. Or a part above the head gasket. Below that would be the pan gasket. Nothing in between can leak oil. Do you have coolant in your oil? That is the first clue that you have a bad head gasket. Not leaking oil. Good luck. I would take it to another garage and get another estimate.
2007-08-17 23:06:35 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, a bad head gasket will either leak oil onto the cooling system ,or coolant into the crankcase. If it does have a bad head gasket you would be able to see either a slight green tint to the oil, or oil swirls in the radiator. Also, would be able to do a cylinder compression test and find out which cylinder is leaking.
2007-08-17 22:49:20 · answer #4 · answered by outsider_27 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes, it can be, however, I would either go postal on them about the bad or unnecessary gasket replacement on the valve cover and get my money partly refunded (labor only) or go to another dealer and get the job done right. Do not be afraid to investigate the dealers reputation for customer service.
2007-08-17 22:52:59 · answer #5 · answered by P.A.M. 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes it can but it is rare. The last time I work with one of those, it was under the intake manifold and NOT the head.
Did they use tracer dye?
Although you have a Cadillac, it is made by Opel in Germany.
2007-08-17 22:46:16 · answer #6 · answered by epitt72 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
HOLY SHIAT........But yes a head gasket can leak oil, especially if it has on overhead cam. I would stand my ground a little and tell them they misdiagnosed it and give me credit on the head job
2007-08-17 22:42:31 · answer #7 · answered by Christian 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋