I cleaned the area behind the UDP and below, and oil is definitely leaking from behind there. I'm pretty sure it's coming from the curved part of the oil pan. So the curved gasket is where it commonly leaks from? Can someone verify that curved gasket is leaking based on this pic:

http://s262.photobucket.com/albums/i...rrent=UDP1.jpg

The black line looking through the UDP hole is where it's leaking from.

Thanks!!

 

Probably from the half moon oil seal.

 

Looks like the upper oil pan seal and the front crank seal are leaking, best I can see.

When you say 'black line' are you referring towards the bottom of the pulley, or higher?

 

If you look at the lower two openings on the UDP, you see a black line following the curve of the sealed area. Thats where the oil is leaking from and I can see the RTV on the corner.

The Crank seal is easily replaced after removing the UDP right? It looked pretty easy on the 'how to' link.

Thanks for the help.

 

Yes, front crank seal is easy to do after the crank pulley has been removed.

 

For those who removed their aluminum oil pan (upper pan), what tool did you use to separate the aluminum oil pan from the block?

Thanks!

 

No one? The FSM says not to use a screw driver. I really want to make sure I don't mess the aluminum oil pan up. Not something you want to re-do.

Thanks!

 

No screw driver. This might help, although I have not tried myself.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/G-M-K...motiveQ5fTools

A picture can be seen here:
http://www.handsontools.com/Kent-Moo...724-13140.html

 

was it possible coming from the main seal ?

 

This tool works for the lower oil pan and the FSM says to use it too. However, this won't work for the upper oil pan. The upper pan has a notch for you to separate upper pan from the block.

Thanks for the links.

 

I don't know where the main seal is.

Just got hold of an impact gun. I'll be pulling the crank pulley this weekend and take some pics. I'll be sure to know what's acutally leaking, crank seal, upper pan seal or both. What ever it is, it leaks pretty bad and I'm taking care of it.

Thanks.

 

It's the seal that goes around the crank snout, right behind the crank pulley.

There is some oil residue there, but it could just be thrown up from the oil pan seal leak, which is what appears to be the main leak.

As far as seperating the pan, a rubber maller, prybar, and some luck. Those things can stick on there pretty damn well. As long as you don't cut a 2 inch deep groove in the side, small gouges in the sealing surface generally will not lead to leaks.

 

Iam having the same problem my self.. i finding oil in the same spot As you picture..i have a 96 maxima se, when i its hard to start 1/2 of the time.just like yours. sometimes i turn key it starts runs fine. sometimes i turn key it cranks then the cranking kinda slows down and sounds funny then it cranks like normal but it doesnt start and if i give it a little gas it fires up.. my oil pan seem to be sweeting oil. i thing i need a new oil pan gasket.as well a little oil coming frm the back of the tranny where the half shaft is???HELP ME>>>>

 

Clean the CKPS REF.

And stop posting your problem in all of these threads, use the newbie thread. That's what it's there for...

 

well as u can see iam new thats why i posted that here... what is the the CKPS REF by the way?? & thanks 4 your help

 

Crankshaft position sensor (Reference) is the sensor by the crank pulley by the oil filter.

 

Ok, here are some pics of my pulley removed:

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/i...plly_rmvd1.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/i...plly_rmvd2.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/i...plly_rmvd3.jpg

When I broke the pulley bolt loose, a bunch of oil shot out from under the flared nut part of the bolt. Is that normal?

Please tell me all I have to replace is the half moon seals and front oil seal? I think I can deal with replacing those but anything more, I'm not sure if I'll be able to do it.

Thanks!!

 

What's the poor-man's/stuff-around-the-house equivalent?

 

A putty knife and a hammer.

 

Thanks. I hate always having to buy some tool for a specialized job.

 

What exactly is the "half moon" seal?