C5 Corvette Leaks (Every leak type discussed & what to do next!)

[@GregorioLonewolf]

I'm back! It's been a minute and with your videos I spent the past 5-6 months adding to my 2000 Z51 Coupe many items including C6Z06 shocks, transmission rebuild and upgraded by LUK, torque tube rebuild, new Michelin tires etc., etc. about $5500 to $6000 worth of work done. On the 18th of this month I purchased a 2003 Z06 in Millenium Yellow (mileage 68,520) from the same broker I had bought the 2000 Vette 4 years ago. The Z06 came with the following: -- Replacement rebuilt T56 Level V transmission with LS7 Clutch kit/Flywheel @56k -- MGW short throw shifter assembly @56k -- Rebuilt torque tube @56k -- Replacement rear wheel hub/bearing assemblies @56k -- Replacement Doug Rippie Black Polyeurethane steering/suspension/control arm bushings @56k -- Replacement Doug Rippie Motorsport Valved Bilstein Dampers done @56k -- LS Trunnion Upgrade Rocker arm bushing kit / GM Performance Blue valve spring upgrade @40k miles -- Elite Engineering metal pedals -- Bluetooth receiver kit with microphone/push-to-talk option -- Chamberlain universal garage door receiver -- Upgraded front & rear LED lighting (stock housings available) -- Sleepy eye headlight upgrade -- Window tint -- Front & Rear Wheels 18X10.5 w/ 295/35R18 Continental Tires Extreme Contact Sport Plus DWS06. I am very happy and thoroughly enjoy driving the new to me Corvette. The broker bought the 2000 from me and I bought this from him. This is my 6th Corvette that I have owned.

[@BobbyG515]

Thanks!

[@Toys4Life]

Glad you enjoyed it, and thanks for the super thanks - much appreciated!!

[@thevettboy]

Very good video. My C5Z06 as had many leaks, in fact I've nicknamed my C5 the" Leakin Leena". Over the past 5 years since owning the car I've done the upper and lower pan caskets, rear main seal and now the rear diff seals and 0 rings, that's being done this week. When backing the car out of the garage I always check to see if there is anything leaking from the car. Thanks again for your videos.

[@jackoff1826]

I have parked my C5 about 5 years ago, and life kind of happened with marriage, having a baby, going through divorce, fighting to be a parent, and so on....I'd like to get my C5 out again soon, but I'd like to know some things I should and shouldn't do in the process, for what's best for the car. Maybe levels of importance too. Unfortunately my stupid self had parked it for winter 5 years ago without treating the gas too. So I'm unaware of any video out there yet for waking a C5 up after a lengthy slumber, but would love one. Thank you and love and appreciate your videos. I'm kicking around the idea of a supercharger now because of you.

[@Toys4Life]

Thanks for the kind words! Hopefully it was stored inside? This long term storage happens more that most people think. 1. you have to get that gas out of the fuel tank. Have a qualified person open the fuel connection to the fuel rail and hot wire the fuel pumps to run the fuel out of the tanks into gas cans. Refil with fresh gas. Next, check for rodent damage. Mice like to build nests in your AC ducts. If you have evidence of critter damage, you need to check that out and remedy. Not a fun or easy job.

[@jackoff1826]

@@Toys4Life thank you for the advice. Yes, garage cold storage. Had rodents make a nest in my blower before, luckily didn't effect anything else. Hopefully they didn't show back up...knock on wood.

[@phillipmills9914]

@@Toys4LifeI second this, my grandfather put his up for at least 2 years and I’ve been driving awhile but I need to change the fluids I feel would be a good start

[@nikkoalpha2]

Another excellent C5 video from the best YT C5 source. Lucid explanation of a critical issue with leaking fluids. Do not ignore these leaks as he emphasized or one may pay a significant expense. Great tips for pre-purchase inspections too. Unfortunately, many prospects ignore looking at these leaks and will pay later.

[@Toys4Life]

Appreciate the kind words, thanks for the comment!

[@Bills03Coupe]

Great information! One you didn't mention (which I was relieved to find) was my oil filter apparently had loosened enough to allow a bit of oil to leak. Be careful when you change your oil, they tell you not to overtighten, but I obviously didn't tighten mine enough.

[@Toys4Life]

It is a fine line, better a bit tighter than too loose that is for sure!

[@MC-uj4co]

As a CDL driver I pre trip my C5 before I drive it the common drivers just get in and drive. As well as tire pressure

[@grahamfrost2480]

Guilty. I always pull the car out. Get out of the car and walk back into the garage to check the floor. My car sat for 6 months once and I did the flood start to build up the oil pressure, which worked a treat but when I went back into the garage there was a pool of clean water - it's not done it since so assumed it was something to do with the flood start seeing as that was the first time I'd had to perform that!

[@retrobear9367]

Been chasing down an oil leak for months now. Changed out the oil drain plug and crush washer. Changed the pcv valve and added a catch can. Changed the bottom oil pain gasket last week. Still smelling oil on the exhaust and a very tiny puddle. Im hoping it jus residual from the pan work and the smell is just oil that hasn't burned off yet. Im so hoping it's not the upper oil pan seal

[@TJsVette]

I almost spit my water out when you said Blinker Fluid haha.

[@Amax69420]

I had a coolant leak from the thermostat housing a few years ago. Caused all of the AC system pulley to go bad/start squeaking, but this was most likely due to me not fixing the issue sooner.

[@Deathbytireiron]

I've had the joy of fixing all of the leaks on my C5 in the last 5 years, and the one that got me was the power steering. Where the lines go into the rack theres a small o ring that will rip easily. Mine was leaking down onto my cradle, then getting spread all over the bottom of the car and exhaust when I drove. I thought it was the oil pan, and or front cover. (these were leaking too). It wasn't until I dropped the front cradle and disconnected everything that I found it. The steering rack was leaking around one of the boots as well. I just put a larger hose clamp around it and that took care of it for now! I think my rear main seal is the only seal/gasket I have not touched on the whole car. Good video!

[@KicksVette]

I had a coolant leak on my 98. The bottom of the expansion tank has brass outlets molded into the plastic tank. The plastic started to dry rot and was leaking around the outlet. This was on a daily driver with about 175 k miles on it. A replacement tank was an easy fix.

[@denairxtx]

Looking for a 97-04 C5 Corvette Automatic Transmission Oil Cooler Lines

[@howie2092]

My 1998 has the usual engine oil leaks, and now it has a fuel smell and coolant leak. Traced the coolant leak to a cracked expansion tank. Hoping the fuel leak is just the filter.

[@Toys4Life]

Attend to the fuel leak ASAP, it's under a lot of pressure and can spray a ton of fuel very quickly if it breaks on the pressure line. Less if it's the return line but still enough to fuel a fire. Good luck sir.

[@chadreynolds6804]

Yet another awesome, informative, educational, C5 video!

[@Toys4Life]

Glad you liked it!

[@forddriver8827]

To stop leaking calipers-rubber seals-banjo bolt thread-copper washers-are all parts of these calipers that need to be maintained & serviced. Look at other YT clips on rebuilding Corvette C5/C6 Calipers as it is surprising how quickly the piston rubbers perish, and that is one of several various rubber seals you'll find between the front & rear calipers.

[@randolphcirilo4800]

Where does the c5 leak fuel? I have a 98 that occasionally pours fuel when its running.. Where from though?

[@mightywhitey9258]

Mine leaked oil badly when I bought it. Had to do front and rear main and upper and lower oil pan. Unfortunately I used a cheap front main and it's leaking again!

[@Toys4Life]

Oh no!

[@brendonpererra2345]

What about a gas leak from the drivers side after filling up

[@Toys4Life]

Never had that.

[@mr.210bb9]

Power steering fluid leak really bad from high pressure hose. Fluid everwhere down below and on leaf spring..Replaced both low & high hoses. PS Pump & cheapy generic ps plastic pulley replaced with a hollowed out metal aluminum pulley. Also added a fluid filter to low side towards reservoir. I Do not reccommend doing this unless u are very patient with all the right tools. a shop will charge a small fortune so Good luck. Alot has to come off or loose. Off: air intake, throttle body & alternator w bracket w belt, reservoir w bracket PS bracket. Loose: ABS break bracket. 18 mm Crows feet & 18mm ratchet a must. Its not easy. Finally got PS system all back together with a good cleaning all over & cleaned up the old greasy n caked up oil & throttle body shinny like new. Seafoam synthetic PS fluid. Again step by step its a pain in the A**😂.due to little hand space for anything! The rack n pinion was also done a few months prior.

[@Toys4Life]

Glad you got it fixed, I know that is a bear of a job.

[@stephendibari5010]

I’ve commented on one of your different videos about my small leak on my 99 Hardtop. The leak is in the rear directly under the transmission/transaxle. Looking at the rear of the car the leak is in the middle from Left to right. Looking at the car from the side The leak in line with the drive axles. Being a FRC it has a manual transmission. I won’t be bringing it to the shop until the spring time. Just curious what you think it might be? The leak is very small. It’s a black fluid. I have a piece of paper towel duct taped to the garage floor and I noticed it after each drive.

[@Toys4Life]

Could be axle seal, diff cover or leak from trans/diff at the joint. Have to wipe it down and see where it is coming out.

[@TYROS4]

Saw a few drops of tranny fluid on the floor when backing my C5 out of the garage. I decided to get the fluid and filter changed and checked for the leak but the shop said it was going to cost $300 to $500 just to change the fluid. I thought that was way too much and wondered if you can tell me what I should expect to pay for the fluid and filter change minus the leak fix.

[@Toys4Life]

Dealerships more, independent shops less. Auto more than manual trans. Search for the corvette shops in your area and price them out. If you were my neighbor I would do much less than that!!

[@danielbudimir8519]

I really appreciate you sir

[@williammegow8780]

I have a Fuel leak Only when I top off the gas tank it leaks for a while until the gas level gets Lower Do you have any idea or Suggestions what this might be?

[@Toys4Life]

I would suspect the crossover tube. I strongly urge you to get it fixed ASAP. If there's any fuel leaking out of there and it finds a spark you're in trouble. We don't want that 😭.

[@williammegow8780]

@@Toys4Life Do you have any videos on what to look for where it might be and/ or how to repair? In your video on Leaks you had a colored photo of a C/5 fuel system can you please send me the picture/ Link I also want to thank you for your outstanding videos you present they are so informative

[@RT-mm8rq]

Only leak I've had was coolant, had to put in a new radiator.

[@carllyth8455]

Pita question. What spoiler is that? Thank you!

[@Toys4Life]

Spoiler King.

[@butchnowak8492]

I have a c6 -2008 has all original belts and hoses car has 49,000 miles on stored and garaged kept do you recommend replacement on all they look great ?

[@Toys4Life]

IMO - if they are all bone stock - Belts probably, hoses probably not.

[@jamesvandyke5874]

I daily mine and check the ground every time I leave a parking spot.

[@WarriorsPhoto]

Have you found a lot of leaks over the years?

[@Toys4Life]

Mine at a very slow rear main seal leak that I fixed when I did the clutch. Now it has about 10 drops every spring at the same between the transmission and the differential. Not bad for a 20-year-old car.

[@WarriorsPhoto]

@@Toys4Life That is pretty good considering the age and performance capabilities.

[@edwardepps1513]

Have a differential leak. Is this major...?

[@Toys4Life]

Nmi

[@darylefletcher7290]

Hey I was wondering what area in Minnesota are u from, I'm from anoka area.

[@darylefletcher7290]

I bought a c5 convertible from my buddy

[@Toys4Life]

Stillwater area (:-)

[@darylefletcher7290]

I've had my c5 for almost 3yrs now and still learning stuff about it

[@BEY.007]

07:22 what's the video on this?

[@Toys4Life]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/a6CyY2VshcyGock

[@stevenm4426]

Thanks 👍

[@Toys4Life]

No problem 👍

[@wernerdanler2742]

I always used to think these things had transaxles. I guess GM just didn't want to go there. Is there a way to check the automatic transmission fluid level on these things since it is in the back?

[@Toys4Life]

You have to get it off the ground on a flat surface - so it is not as easy most auto trans cars. I would call it a transaxle as the transmission and differential are bolted together to be come one unit. When you check the trans fluid, also check the diff fluid while you have the car off the ground.

[@wernerdanler2742]

@Toys4Life C5 Thanks for the info, but I would not call it a transaxle. A transaxle is all in the same box with the same fluid. No matter. It's about the weight balance. Would you believe my 63 Pontiac Lemans had a transaxle and torque tube? For some reason, though, it had some sort of flexible driveshaft. Weird! 😆 🤣

[@Toys4Life]

@@wernerdanler2742 Fair enough. What's that front wheel drive by the way The 63? Similar to like the old tornado front wheel drive ?

[@wernerdanler2742]

@Toys4Life C5 it was rear wheel drive. It had single arm independent rear suspension. It drove great. It had a 3 speed standard gear box with floor shifter. I think it was an actual transaxle with the transmission and diff all in one box.

[@willisroth2871]

Did you smell gas before you got in it....Are they still leaking at the crossover

[@Toys4Life]

Um, mine is not leaking.

[@sandstone4128]

great informative

[@Toys4Life]

Glad you liked it

[@steveb4515]

So, I recently bought a 2000 C5 and I have no idea what kind of oil the previous owner used (i.e. conventional, synthetic or syn blend). I use full synthetic in all my other cars, but this 23 year old C5 with 72k miles. What's your take on just using synthetic from here on out? I'm thinking new oil tech would be smart enough not to cause issues with old seals.... but that's my thinking.

[@Mattschindig]

No issues. Just stay with the 5w30

[@Toys4Life]

Yep, 5W30 synthetic!

[@richardelliott8352]

leaks are unfortunate, and tolerance for leaks depends on the culture. I well remember the contrast between the clean parking lots in Germany verses the American lots that all had oil residue under where the engines would park. thankfully , as seal manufacturing and materials improve, this effect is going away in america. In germany, one might be at a stop sign, and find an inspection crew all of a sudden surrounding your car, checking for leaks , or even a cracked lens glass . inspection failure can get your car impounded , because of the concept that even a crack in a lens cover might affect if the car responds as designed in a crash.

[@Toys4Life]

Indeed, seal technology is much better than it used to be and the same suppliers probably supply most major automotive manufacturers now I would suspect.

[@jerryhawk8434]

U and I r the same. I have a 86 pontiac fiero ES V6 and a 81 Corvette

[@Toys4Life]

Something about GM plastic!

[@davidncw4613]

ty!

[@adventuresofsteveandlaurie]

I just discovered a fuel leak in my 2004. Chevy garage suspects something wrong with my fuel pump. ugh, $$$

[@Toys4Life]

Sorry 😟. 2004s have been known to have that crossover tube crack or leak. Or maybe it's something simple?

[@adventuresofsteveandlaurie]

@@Toys4Life waiting to hear from the dealership... We drove it from Western NY to our house in The Villages, Florida about 3 weeks ago... great ride! unfortunately our plans included flying home a few days ago, so the Vette is in the shop in Florida and I'm back home in WNY. They gave me a minimum quote of $3,000. My fingers are crossed that when they drop the rear end they discover it's something simple like you said!

[@adventuresofsteveandlaurie]

@@Toys4Life well you were right... dealership said fuel pump was cracked AND crossover tube cracked. $3,090 and she is back in my garage...

[@Gr8erh8er]

Down side. Oil pan leaking Up side. My oil is always fresh

[@retrobear9367]

lately ive been finding 3 small spots of oil on the ground on the right side of the car

[@Toys4Life]

Remember, a drip can drip on something and then run a fair distance horizontally and then drop on the ground.

[@retrobear9367]

@@Toys4Life i found my leak! It's power steering fluid. The tank is bone try. I'm telling ya i was so happy to see that. I just hope it's not a labor intense/costly repair

[@troy8940]

Blinker fluid 😂, Anything C5 I'm all ears .

[@TheChenny73]

3 drops a minute or more, that’s a leak and should be repaired. Are you going to fix seeping on a 20+ year old engine (less than three drops)? 😂 especially a GM motor.

[@vanitybrittonproductions1302]

Don't got to that school

[@Toys4Life]

But I hear they have excelent curriculum!

[@lexxielex]

Nice vid!!

[@carlolson2335]

Thanks!

[@Toys4Life]

Much appreciated sir, thank you 😊!