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View Full Version : Valve cover oil seepage @ 65k


crackerjakx
10-30-2007, 11:03 AM
My valve cover gasket has started to allow some oil to seep through. I'm trying to figure out if this is symptomatic of something else or if the gasket is just dead...

For the past 10k miles I've noticed a very slight amount of oil pool on the bottom of the 2 right, front-side, valve cover bolts. It was like that for a while until recently when I did a cruise on the highway with some other local mazda members where I admitedly pushed it a bit. The next day I noticed a bunch of oil that had seeped down from the front of the valve cover, down the head, to the exhaust ports. I didn't lose much oil because the level is about the same. But it has me worried that there was an apparent sudden build in pressure. I've wiped the oil off since and notice more oil seeps out then before, usually noticeable after a day of pushing the car. Should I be worried?
BOOSTR
10-30-2007, 11:16 AM
Did you check the bolts to make sure they are tight? If they are all snug, then its time to replace the gasket. Its not uncommon for the bolts to loosen over time if you never check and tighten them.
Blake
10-30-2007, 11:19 AM
Gasket FTL
Pirana
10-30-2007, 11:38 AM
Mine is been leaking for a while, I thought it was something worse, but it was just the gasket...I have changed valve covers about 5 times, and never put the little silicone corners on the cams and it was seeping thru. Its easy and cheap, get it done, hehehe.
crackerjakx
10-30-2007, 11:57 AM
Bolts could be loose like DAWIV suggested since those bolts have never been touched for the past 65k miles. I'm just going to replace it (prolly nearly as easy as tightening the bolts). If it starts up again soon after that I'll assume something worse.

Could boost getting past the stock PCV be playing any role in this?

Thanks for the quick replies guys!
BOOSTR
10-30-2007, 12:27 PM
Given the fact that you've never checked the bolts, I doubt the pcv is playing any part. Changing the gasket is easy and DIY item. Use the RTV sealant, unless you leaks.

FWIW I have more miles than you and no leaks. But I am always checking and tightening bolts. I'll change my valve cover gasket when I do the timing belt further on down the line.