Q: Oil pan gasket has a slow leak/drip

asked by on November 01, 2016

Will it be ok to drive for a couple months until I save up to get it fixed? Also what are some scenarios that can happen if I don't get it fixed? Someone told me 1000$ to get it fixed damn northstar engine

My car has 133346 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Oil Pan Replacement $294.47 - $1359.54 Get a Quote
Oil/Fluid Leak Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

A slow oil leak from the oil pan is usually not an urgent issue, however you will of course want to be sure to check the oil frequently to be sure you do not run low and cause substantial engine damage. As you may know, over time these types of engine gaskets will eventually shrink and become brittle and in some cases tear causing a leak.

To avoid any unnecessary repairs, I would recommend having an expert from YourMechanic come to your location to diagnose your oil leak firsthand.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Why would transmission fluid leak?
First, we should acknowledge that the transmission, whether automatic or manual, is actually designed to hold the fluid without leaking. However, there are many factors which can cause a transmission to leak (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/what-can-cause-a-car-to-leak-transmission-fluid). Drying or hardening seals can cause leaks....
How do I turn on or turn off the climate control system?
When the climate control system is turned off, then air from outside the vehicle will not enter the car’s cabin. To turn the climate control system on or off, press the Power button on the climate controls.
Getting multiple trouble codes
This is a strange group of codes that you have. Most of the time when you get this number of different codes coming up it is due to a voltage issue or a module that is failing. When something like...
Window broken
Hi there. If the window has suddenly stopped working, then the most common reason is because the window motor failed. I would typically remove the door panel and check for power at the window motor when operating the switch. If...
engine suddenly died and wont turn over
There is a recall (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-check-if-your-car-has-recalls), 05v270000, for electrical system wiring dated 2005-06-07. This is a Ford recall number that pertains to this exact problem you are having and the cause of the issue may be the fuel injection wire harness...
Why caution should be observe during compression test?
You should disable the fuel pressure pump and spark of the ignition. This way you do not burn out the ignition system and flood the engine with fuel. The best way to do a compression test (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-do-a-compression-test-by-robert-tomashek) is to operate...
Speed control broken. 2005 Buick Terraza
You may be having a problem with the throttle control actuator assembly not getting a signal from the ECM, or the actuator module is defective. The cruise control test with the dealer scanner can monitor all the inputs and outputs...
Noisy aircon
Hi there. Yes, a low refrigerant charge in the a/c system (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/ac-recharge) can cause the a/c compressor to make noise. The R-134a refrigerant is what carries the PAG oil throughout the a/c system. A low system charge, results in a...
Transmission stopped working suddenly with no early indications whatsoever.
Hello there, a variety of issues will cause your 2004 Honda Civic Hybrid to not move in gear. The most common is shift linkage failure, this is the linkage which places the transmission in the selected gear. Other likely faults...

Related articles

Do Cars Need Oil Changes More or Less Often As They Age?
Car engines wear out as miles add up. Older engines and engines with high mileage have lower tolerances, making more frequent oil changes necessary.
Is it Safe to Drive With a Leaking Gas Tank?
A leaking gas tank can be caused by a number of different things, such as rocks or sharp objects your car picks up...
How to Diagnose a Fluid Leak
If you see fluid leaking from your car, it's a problem. Determine where the leak is coming from, what type of fluid it is, and the best way to fix it.