Engine - Oil Odors

File In Section: 6 - Engine

Bulletin No.: 87-60-02A

Date: July, 1998

Subject:
Engine Oil Odor
(Replace Rear Main Bearing Seal)

Models:
1990-96 Buick Regal
1994-97 Buick Skylark
1994-98 Buick Century
1990-94 Chevrolet Cavalier
1990-95 Chevrolet Camaro
1990-96 Chevrolet Beretta, Corsica, APV
1990-98 Chevrolet Lumina
1995-98 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
1997-98 Chevrolet Malibu, Venture
1990-97 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme
1990-98 Oldsmobile Silhouette
1994-96 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera
1994-97 Oldsmobile Achieva
1997-98 Oldsmobile Cutlass
1990-94 Pontiac Sunbird
1990-95 Pontiac Firebird
1990-98 Pontiac Grand Prix, Trans Sport
1994-98 Pontiac Grand Am
with 3.1L, 3100, 3.4L, 3400 Engines
(VINs T, D, X, M, E, S - RPOs LH0, LG6, L01, L82, LA1, L32)

This bulletin is being revised to correct the model usage and part number. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 87-60-02 (Section 6 - Engine).

Condition

Some of the above listed V6 engines may, on a very infrequent basis, have an oil odor condition that is generally encountered after the engine's oil has been changed. Typically the odor lasts approximately 1000 miles after the change of oil and then does not reappear until the next change of oil.

Cause

This condition may be caused by a reaction taking place between the engine oil additive package and the grease used on the engine's crankshaft rear main oil seal.

Correction

Verify that the engine does not have any external oil leaks. This can be accomplished by using the methods outlined in the appropriate Service Manual.

If normal diagnostics are unable to establish the source of the oil odor, replace the crankshaft rear main oil seal. Before installing the seal, remove the grease from the seal and lightly coat the lip area of the seal with clean engine oil.

Parts Information

P/N Description Qty

14085829 Crankshaft, rear main bearing seal 1

Parts are currently available from GMSPO.

Warranty Information

For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:

Labor Operation Description Labor Time

J1120 Seal, Crankshaft Use published labor
operation time