Oil cooler lines leaky?

[Zr2_Thunder]

Hey guys im new to the forum.. i have a 98 grand am se 3400 v6, she's running great at 84k however one small trouble.. it seems that there's engine oil leaking (trickle leak) from the oil cooler lines? does this sound correct im not a mechanic however it seems to me that those are the oil cooler lines... there right on the other side of the frame rail near the oil filter acess area two 3/8 rubber hoses with compression fittings going into some aluminum piping... one of the lines is leaking from the fitting... my question is

Is this a common problem?

How hard is it to repair on my next oil change here at home?

How much it gonna cost me in parts

or how much will it cost me if i have someone else to it... on average of course.. just so i know someone's not toying with me..

I just picked up this car a few months ago and dont really know much about it so thanks for the help on here...

any help apprechiated :D

[cage47]

They have those damn things in cars too? I know they are a problem in blazers. I keep an eye on mine. You might want to look into getting them replace. Because when they go, so does your oil, and unless you catch it and stop driving, so will your engine.

[rixGAphx]

You don't have an oil cooler.
Unless a previous owner added it after-market, which is doubtful since there's no reason to do so.

You have a '98 3.4, which is essentially the same as my '96 3.1 with slightly larger cylinder bores.

I don't know exactly where you're referring, but the only lines are the PS (which run around the right top and back to the firewall and rack) and the automatic transmission cooler lines.

It's the tranny cooler lines which circulate thru the radiator. This not only cools the tranny on hot days, but helps keep the tranny fluid warm on extremely cold days.

Leaky fittings aren't very common.
First step is to disconnect, clean, and inspect: there is *prolly* a rubber washer or O-ring which might be damaged.
Then re-assemble, being careful not to crossthread. Do not use Teflon tape or other gunk on the threads, maybe just a touch of oil.
Tighten nicely (sorry, don't know the inch-pounds), using wrenches on BOTH sides of the fitting.

Then run the car and see if the leak remains.
If so, time to get new lines.
Start with NAPA, but they're prolly gonna be special-order ($$) thru dealership.

All of this work can be simply, and more cheply, done by a reputable tranny shop.

Good luck.
-Rick

[RocketFast321]

98 has the 3100 ;)

[Quantum]

Sounds like A/C lines to me. There is oil in the system for the compressor, but I don't think that should be leaking out? Does your A/C work? I have a feeling that is your problem.

[Zr2_Thunder]

The ac works, yes.. after looking at it more closely.. the lines go into the ac compressor...

Now what do i do?

[rixGAphx]

Don't do anything now, IMO, except clean it.

As long as the AC works, the system has a reasonable amount of refrigerant (and lubricating oil) and no attention is required.
If you leave it alone, when it finally fails nothing will be ruined(other than the hose), and it won't cost any more then than now.
When enough leaks out, the cooling ability will decrease and you'll need to pay for a new line to be installed.

Not something you can easily do yourself, since the refrigerant needs to be evacuated, the line removed, the line replaced with new (or have the metal tubes installed onto new hose by a local hose remanufacturer), install the new line, evacuate air/moisture from the system and pressurize with refrigerant.
$$, prolly $150-300 depending on cost of new hose, hours required (~2), and basic cost to evacuate/refill the system.

BUT, I question whether you are really seeing an AC oil leak. They happen, but you *usually* loose cooling ability pretty soon since the refrigerant also leaks out.
Verify that you're not seeing oil from something nearby that has dripped and happens to look like the AC line is the source.
Clean the hose/tube/fitting, then wrap with plastic and tape it closed. Check in couple weeks if the oil is inside or outside.

Personally, I wouldn't do a thing about the situation except clean the oil.
I have enough real problems with this car, I don't need to look minor things.
And this truly is minor.

Good luck.
-Rick

[Colin]

Originally posted by RocketFast321
98 has the 3100 ;) :agree: 3400 wasn't available till 99 model yr.

[Zr2_Thunder]

Ill do that... ill take another look.. This car is nothing but problems it seems im getting this loud ticking from the engine as well.. hehe il gonna drive it till it dies for good.

[rixGAphx]

Loud ticking is *often* a sticky valve lifter.

An oil change might cure that.

Good luck.
-Rick

[Zr2_Thunder]

After numerous Oil changes the thing still ticks... think i should go to a thicker oil? im using 5/30 at the moment...

Also what's the minumum octane needed to run this engine? i dont have an owner's manual and i been putting in 87 octane.