Oil pan gasket leaking?

[seven9st surfer]

For the past few months, whenever I'm under the truck, the oil filter and surrounding area has been damp with oil. Not so much that it drips onto the driveway (there's not a single oil spot under where I park), but enough to notice on the filter/oil pan itself. Last time I was working on it, I made sure to wipe the area completely clean. Just now, before a 10 min drive, I inspected the area, and it was completely clean. After the quick drive, there's a spot that's shiny with oil. I suspect it's the oil pan gasket just above the filter/cooler blockoff plate, but can anyone confirm? I know the rear main seal going bad is a common problem, but it doesn't appear to be the problem here. Thanks for any help.

 

[Bigbertha78]

I have the same issue, cleaned area with brake cleaner and let truck run while underneath. My started on drivers side between the two bolts forward of oil filter and also on passenger side at the very back. Haven't changed it yet but it's on the to do list. Only draw back is the front end has to be lowered to remove the pan.

 

[Danny3737]

If it's near the rear of the motor, my guess would be the main. I'm sure it's not what you really want to hear.

 

[Bigbertha78]

Here are a few of the spots it's leaking, first is by the starter to the left of the bolt.
Above is the driverside between the two bolts

Above is with the starter removed to show where it's leaking. There is no oil around the rear main that I can see, so that's the only saving grace.

 

[Danny3737]

That's good, those small leaks can be a pain to trace, especially when the oil is clean. Have you checked to see if any of the pan bolts are loose? Don't try to tighten any loose ones more than snug or you can risk making it worse.

 

[bayareadude84]

Oil pan gasket leaks are VERY common on these rigs. My old 00 Suburban and current 01 burban both with 200K+ mile had leaky oil pan gaskets.

Scored a new GM/Delco gasket on the bay for $30 shipped

Still have yet find time to mess with it and put it on lol

 

[inmypassatlife]

Mine looks the same, today while doing the trans filter was able to spot leaks coming from both valve cover gaskets on the areas nearest the firewall.

 

[Bigbertha78]

I would much rather like to swap out the valve cover gaskets, I have a leak from the valley pan gasket also, thinking about swapping that first and cleaning everything on top and then dropping down and changing out the oil pan gasket. Just have to find time to do it.