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How do I fix an oil leak in a Northstar engine?

My Cadillac’s Northstar engine has sprung a leak. Oil has been dripping onto the ground for the past few days. Is there any way I can fix a Northstar engine oil leak at home?

avatar
Bellina Gaskey · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Sorry to hear about your engine issues. An oil leak can be a real mess and is never fun. The Northstar engine, produced by General Motors from 1993 to 2011, is infamous for its complexity. This can make at-home repairs more difficult, even for a driver comfortable around cars.
If you’re trying to fix your Northstar leak at home, you’ll first need to identify the source of the leak. Some common culprits for leaking oil include a dysfunctional:
  • Oil pan
  • Oil manifold
  • Oil level sensor
  • Oil drain plug
Other less common sources of a leak include the timing cover or the crankshaft seals.
Then, you’ll need to repair or replace the faulty part. If the issue comes from a loose bolt—in the oil pan, for example—you’ll need to jack the car up and tighten the bolts with a torque wrench.
Another option is stop-leak additives, which you can put in your oil tank to help strengthen your car’s rubber seals and stop further leaking.
If the solution isn’t apparent to you, it’s time to
take your car to a mechanic
.
It won’t fix your engine, but a good car insurance policy can save you serious money down the road. Download the insurance brokerage app
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