Oil Leak Help

Shane said:

Got both valve covers done finally. LOL first side took me 30 minutes. passenger side took rest of day because of that end bolt. Thanks for all your help. step one complete next week Im dropping the oil pan.

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Did you replace the driver side cover with the updated design?


Clean the engine block skirt and oil pan thoroughly before you install the new gasket. Note the four points where there is RTV sealant as you'll need to put small blobs of sealant at these four points before putting the pan and gasket back on.

If you do decide to replace the oil pressure sensor, there will be a screen underneath it if your Yukon is a 5.3, which will have AFM. I'd recommend pulling the intake manifold since:
(1) It'll allow MUCH easier access to the pressure sensor
(2) You can check the VLOM bolts for tightness and for oil leaks
(3) It'd be a great opportunity to clean out all the built-up grime
(4) You can really clean out the inside of the intake manifold to get the oil out of it

I put the new updated valve cover on the driver's side. I did order the oil pressure sensor and after looking at the videos it looks like it's going to be a challenge as well.

Shane said:

I have had a small oil leak in my 07 Yukon for some time. I want to start the process of finding it and fixing it. I usually have to put between 1-2 quarts of extra oil in it between oil changes. There is a small oil spot on the driveway. Any input on where to look first would be most helpful.

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1-2qt between changes and a small drop in the driveway dont add up. You likely are leaking as most do. But I bet you the driver side valve cover needs to be replaced with the newer model. My 07 chugged oil and blew smoke at crank before I replaced my valve cover.

Some may rip me one for saying this, but my 5.3 leaks like crazy if you out syn oil in it. I have went back to HM conventional 5w30 and am leak free.

I am getting a couple error codes after I finished the valve cover gaskets. p0171 and p01174. I know I was laying over the air system during the passenger VC gasket install. I have checked all my connections from the air filter to the intake and don't see anything lose or disconnected. Any ideas on troubleshooting these codes? Thank you

Shane said:

I am getting a couple error codes after I finished the valve cover gaskets. p0171 and p01174. I know I was laying over the air system during the passenger VC gasket install. I have checked all my connections from the air filter to the intake and don't see anything lose or disconnected. Any ideas on troubleshooting these codes? Thank you

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Double check your PCV hose connections. Depending on the age, they can split and create a leak.

Changed both pcv hoses. One during the valve cover gasket install( cracked) and the other today. There is an air release sound on the passenger side of the engine when I turn it off.

Shane said:

I am getting a couple error codes after I finished the valve cover gaskets. p0171 and p01174. I know I was laying over the air system during the passenger VC gasket install. I have checked all my connections from the air filter to the intake and don't see anything lose or disconnected. Any ideas on troubleshooting these codes? Thank you

View attachment 272929

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This is verry interesting did you ever figure it out

Yes, it was the driver's side pcv hose. I managed to brake both installing the valve covers. Currently error code free getting ready to do my oil pan gasket and pick up ring.

Shane said:

Yes, it was the driver's side pcv hose. I managed to brake both installing the valve covers. Currently error code free getting ready to do my oil pan gasket and pick up ring.

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Good news. Sounds like you are almost there. The oil pan isn’t fun though.

wsteele said:

If your drivers side valve cover has never been updated, you definitely need an updated cover. Your "leaks" could be oil dripping down from the line that runs between your PCV (on the driver's side valve cover) to your intake manifold (center top of the manifold). That line has a few push fit junctions and with the amount of oil you are likely pumping out of that down rev valve cover, it could be your leak.

So far I have found Rock Auto to have best pricing for most things OE (short of a wrecking yard, but if it do go to a wrecker for a used part, make sure it is off of a newer model Tahoe/Yukon (2013-2014, to be sure).

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Hmm I wonder if this is my issue on my 05? Seems like an easier fix than a rear main seal which is what I have assumed for some time now.