I'm wondering if anybody has had any problems with the Northstar engines leaking oil at the half case seal? Reason im asking is because we are in the market for a new Caddy, and trying to decide if we should try a newer Northstar or go with the 3.6 (and possibly deal with the timing chain stretch). We had a 97 SLS with 205K, but its really starting to show its age, and it leaks oil like crazy. You can see smoke come out from under the hood when you park the car, the half case seal is shot. Boss also has a 1999 STS, and it leaks oil at the half case seal as well. We really love these cars except for that issue, and would love to know if GM has finally fixed this problem on the newer Northstars, so im looking forward for some of you to chime in! Thank you in advance.
People with the 2005+ Northstars: Do you have problems with oil leaks?
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bob k
21 - 38 of 38 Posts
I'm coming up on 127K miles and no oil leaks or excessive burning so far. Big contrast to my previous generation STS's.
2006 STS 1SG 175k ,2009 STS V8 100k ,2014 xts v sport 80k
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70 Posts
My sts4 v8 1 sg leaks at 130k I know this isn't that common but it happens I bought mine because I thought the leaking/Hg problem was fixed after 05 (i have a couple threads right now regarding this )just somthing to think about good luck
Love my new (to me) N* STS - 2005 purchased with 21,000 original miles. I have driven it about 3.000 miles in the last month, and am really glad I bought this car while examples like this are still out there. Oil leaks, well I drove Mercedes Benzes for many years, and head gaskets were pretty routine on the inline 6's and not uncommon on the V8's especially when approaching 200,000 miles. I hope I don't have oil leak issues again, but I wouldn't be frustrated with small leaks after my MB issues, and even if I have to replace seals or gaskets, the costs are pretty low compared to doing these jobs on the premier german cars. So get that Cadillac, drive it hard and enjoy it, knowing you have just bought one of the great performance/luxury values out there.
I recently had my engine serviced because of the case half seal. The shop tells me it's about 16 hours labour (I have an AWD so there is a little more time in mine) plus parts. Fortunately I had GMPP warranty that covered all but $100. Personally, I wouldn't shy away from the N* just for this reason. I love my car (except in the city the fuel economy is dreadful) and would not worry too much about a minor leak. As long as it's not a big leak, the cost of 16 hours labour can buy a lot of oil! Even when I had the leak, my oil consumption was minimal. I don't ever recall adding between oil changes, despite using the OLM which means longer intervals.
I have no interest in the 6 cylinder at all. My mother has one in her Enclave and I'm really not impressed. It's very low mileage and has already been in for some of the common items (including timing chain).
I have no interest in the 6 cylinder at all. My mother has one in her Enclave and I'm really not impressed. It's very low mileage and has already been in for some of the common items (including timing chain).
2008 sts-v black raven 2016 obsession red cts v sport premium
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471 Posts
140k+ no leaks. Replaced valve covers because I thought I had a leak turned out to be oil filter loose (somebody had to loosen it) but nice and dry. Diff has some hairy looking stuff but looks normal but I cleaned it off to see if it'll come back. Will update next oil change
My hard driven '06 with 85K is flawless. I get 22 MPG (under 80 MPH) and it is FAST.
109k here, no oil leaks or real usage issues at all, last oil change interval I think I added a 1/2 quart over like 10k...My two previous Northstars (95, 01) leaked a good bit, the 95 burned it up pretty good too. AVG'ing 20-21MPG per tank since I got her at 71k. Easily the best Northstar I've owned to date :thumbsup:
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1,703 Posts
Well I have to jump in. 2005 V8 1SG AWD. 194,000 NYC miles. No leaks ever on ground but my head gasket seeping bit. I will add a quart at 2500 miles and I change oil when monitor hits 40%.
Car looks amazing. I just put new battery in and set of Michellin all season tires last week. Only major issue I have is I need new MRC struts. Having tough time justifying cost on a 9 year old car with nearly 200 k miles.
Great car to buy.
Car looks amazing. I just put new battery in and set of Michellin all season tires last week. Only major issue I have is I need new MRC struts. Having tough time justifying cost on a 9 year old car with nearly 200 k miles.
Great car to buy.
2006 STS 1SG 175k ,2009 STS V8 100k ,2014 xts v sport 80k
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70 Posts
you mean knock on engine or knock in engine jk lol
When I sold my 2001 STS at 234k she leaked pretty good too from the half case seal, had to add about a quart every 1000 miles or so. She still purred like a kitten as long as you kept up on the oil level. I sure do miss that car though, so much more comfortable for longer trips.
Do understand that NYC miles and miles elsewhere are VERY different. With every mile there is a significant amount of additional idling, and accelerating, and why not throw in braking and gear changes. 194k is quite impressive in ny for any car really.
Haha wow. My brother used to deliver pizza in the Nissan. Smelled horrible in there.
Since 2005 a Cadillac has been delivering pizza for Domino's in my home town...I started the trend in my '95 STS part time for a second job, I then began working full time shortly after purchasing my '01...I left that gig in 2009, shortly after a co-worker purchased a '04 Deville, he has been delivering in that since...It's not every day you see a Caddy delivering your dinner
I actually had a guy reduce my tip at the door after he saw my car.
He says, "You drive a Cadillac!? You clearly don't need this."
I replied, "But sir, it is FAR from being paid for!"
:thumbsup:
21 - 38 of 38 Posts
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