#pie0003: Ei09140- Engine Oil Leak From Crankshaft Front Oil Seal(engineering Info)

TRIBALMASTER65 · 08-20-2009, 10:15 AM

Took the SOL to the dealer today for oil leak I noticed (does anyone else have this problem???). The Tech checked for bulletins and found this:

#PIE0003: EI09140 - Engine Oil Leak From Crankshaft Front Oil Seal (Engineering Information) - (Jul 17, 2009)

Subject: EI09140 -- Engine Oil Leak From Crankshaft Front Oil Seal (Engineering Information)

Models: 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt, Cobalt SS, HHR, HHR SS, Malibu

2009 Pontiac G5, G6, Solstice, Solstice GXP

2009 Saturn Aura, Sky, Sky Redline

Equipped with Engine RPO LAP, LE5, LE8, LE9 or LNF

Attention: Proceed with this bulletin ONLY if the customer has commented about this concern AND the EI number is listed in GMVIS. If the customer has not commented about this condition or the EI does not show in GMVIS, disregard the bulletin and proceed with diagnostics found in published service information. THIS IS NOT A RECALL -- refer to Service Bulletin 04-00-89-053B for more detail on the use of Engineering Information bulletins.

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Condition
Important: If the customer did not bring their vehicle in for this concern, DO NOT proceed with this bulletin.

Some customers may comment on an oil leak under the vehicle.

Further inspection will reveal the leak to be engine oil and show the leak is coming from the crankshaft front oil seal.

Cause
GM Engineering is attempting to determine the cause of the engine oil leak. General Motors has a need to gather information first-hand from the dealer technician DURING diagnosis and BEFORE repair. As a result, this information will be used by engineeering to help "root cause" the customer's concern and develop/validate a field fix.

Instructions
Important: GM Engineering is only interested in vehicles that have 16,093 km (10,000 mi) or less mileage.

First, verify the leak is engine oil using a leak detection lamp and dye. If the leak is engine oil and it is determined to be coming from the crankshaft front oil seal, please contact the engineer listed below for additional instructions. If the vehicle has mileage higher than 16,093 km (10,000 mi), proceed with diagnosing and repairing the vehicle based on information found in SI. Submit a Field Product Report with the repair information.
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Gimpster · 08-20-2009, 11:59 AM

Oh thats nice.

That in addition to the cam position/fuel pump leak many of my fellow Cobalt owners are seeing.

Deep-GXP · 08-20-2009, 01:45 PM

Interesting...i've gotten an oil leak but no idea where it's from

eedbrick · 08-20-2009, 02:32 PM

10 K miles or less. Guess what if it developes under warranty fix it or it will get lemon lawed. That statement really gets me. 10 K or less. I can buy a 69 Buick if I want oil stains in my driveway.

nasos · 08-21-2009, 04:36 PM

do you have a picture with the oil leak ?

thanks

JeffInDFW · 08-22-2009, 12:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eedbrick

10 K miles or less. Guess what if it developes under warranty fix it or it will get lemon lawed. That statement really gets me. 10 K or less. I can buy a 69 Buick if I want oil stains in my driveway.

Go back and re-read it. It says, and I quote:

"If the vehicle has mileage higher than 16,093 km (10,000 mi), proceed with diagnosing and repairing the vehicle based on information found in SI. Submit a Field Product Report with the repair information. "

So, if it has over 10,000 miles, then the mechanic is to just go ahead and repair it and submit a field report.

If it has UNDER 10,000 miles, then they are to not touch the car until they call a specific engineer at GM. It is obvious that GM wants to see what is going on with the cars that is causing this failure, and they want to SEE it when the car is under a certain milage. There is something they are looking for to try and figure out what is causing this. It is clear they feel the failure is showing some kind of a sign early on, and they want to see this.

This is actually a very proactive move by GM, and a change from the old days. I knew a GM Engineer in V8 Powertrain, and I told him about the fact that the LT1 Camaro/Firebird (1993-1997) had an engine oil leak down the back of the motor caused by a bad sealant bead on the intake, AND about the driveshaft being out of balance, causing rear transmission seals to leak and fail. It was almost **2 YEARS** later when the TSB was finally sent out. Just like the 2006 Solstice with the leaky rearend seals. Here on the Solstice Forum, we knew about it for over a year before GM finally issued a TSB on that, and then finally a recall.

For years, I've said GM needs to use these forums and car clubs to find issues faster.

Treeman · 08-22-2009, 08:11 AM

I have an 09 GXP with about 4k on the clock. No leak yet, but this sounds like it might be in a hard to see place. Was this oil on the floor or just on the engine? Do you see this just at the bottom front of the engine (i.e., have to get under the car to see it?)

Thanks for the heads up. And I agree, like the proactive stance GM is taking on this one.

eedbrick · 08-22-2009, 05:50 PM

Thanks for clarifying that for me. Sometimes I speed read and miss some facts.

TRIBALMASTER65 · 09-02-2009, 10:16 AM

sorry it has taken me a while to get back... the dealer called me the other day and said they have a new harmonic balencer, seals and are ready to procede with changing out the parts. This is the only info i have but the dealer was in contact with engineer from GM and they want all parts back for follow up.
now to answer some questions: yes i did find spots of oil on the floor
yes it was noticable on the front end on the stablizer bar.
no i have not taken pix... unfortunatly i travel 90% of the time and have not been home since taking it to the dealer. i will try to get pix before taking it for fix...
i will keep everyone posted...

Small Dealer · 09-02-2009, 11:11 AM

The referenced bulletin has been changed as to the procedure and timing to follow, and no longer exsists as posted.

It now advise dealerships when an owner initially comes in with an oil leak concern to verify the leak is engine oil using a leak detection lamp and dye. Then to first proceed with diagnosing and repairing the vehicle based on information found in SI. Submit a Field Product Report with the repair information.

Deep-GXP · 09-04-2009, 01:02 PM

Just got my car back with this same leak, they said they didnt know what to do.
After reading this thread, it seems to me that they should've fixed it instead of doing the DYE process since i have 22k miles ?

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Concern: Customer States Fluid Leak

Cause: Tech found possible blow by at air inlet.

Correction: Called TAC Test Crankcase Ventalation System - Cleaned oil residue and add dye.

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He said to drive it for a few days and see if it comes back, and when it does to bring it in and they'll take care of it...