Oil Leak On Oil Cover [Merged 9-7] cap gasket dipstick leaking pool

[plymouthtalon]

I removed the spark plug cover to change the original (!) plugs, and cringed - oil was pooling inside the valve cover around the plug boots! I suspect the valve cover gasket but want to be sure before I get into it; can someone make a suggestion?

 

[WALTMAN]

its probably the gaskets around the plugs themselves that need replacing but might as well get the whole kit, i just did this today the kit cost me 10 BUCKS!

 

[gsxgota]

i used to leak oil in the same place, it turned out to be the gasket, the valve cover gasket around the sparkplugs. once u change it, it should be clean and no more oil

 

[Ludachris]

First try replacing your oil cap gasket (or just buy a new oil cap). You might save yourself the work of pulling off your valve cover.

 

[Blixx]

Ludachris is correct, I had two things pooling oil in my plug well: Oil Cap and a hairline crack in the valve cover. New cap and a little J-B Weld fixed it right up.

Blake

 

[Atari007]

Mine is leaking too, but I am almost positive that it is the oil cap... (there is oil around it on the top).... If I get another one, I might as well shell out the extra couple of bucks and get a nice bling bling shiney one That is why I havent replaced mine yet...

 

[cmc]

New cap and a little J-B Weld fixed it right up.

I love JB weld. I had a crack on my radiator on my GSR. I patched it w/ the JB , and drove 100 miles at 75+.

 

[plymouthtalon]

hey thanks guys, i'll check the oil cap. If not I guess I'll have to yank the cover, but oh well.

 

[laser9320]

I had that too. I took off the valve cover to replace the gasket, and the gasket surface had the $!@& gouged out of it! I used some silicone gasket sealant on the valve cover gasket against the manufacturers recomendations and it seems to have solved the oil leaking problems.

 

[fast_talon]

My problem was the oil cap gasket. THat was the first thing I replaced when I bought the car. I am putting on a powdercoating valve cover and I think that I am going to leave the spark plug cover off. That way you can see if oil is leaking.

 

[Tsigoon]

Ok, last night I fixed what i thought was causing me to use a quart every two days- my valve cover gasket.

I'm still leaking.

It seems to be from the driver's side under the oil filter (checked it, it's not the one leaking) and a little further back. I can see oil all over the support bar running straight back on the driver's side. I'm sorta stumped, unless it could be a leaky manifold gasket (does that cause oil leaks?) or my oil pan leaking.

Anyone had this problem? Any suggestions on what it could be?

 

[Atari007]

I had a leaky oil cap and valve cover gasket... speaking of which, if you have to replace the valve cover gasket, be VERY VERY careful putting it back on... put the screws in only a little more than finger tight... i just got finished jb welding mine because I cracked the hell out of my brand new valve cover ... just my 2 cents

 

[Bohrn]

yea, they are expensive, even used, and hard to find. 2-3 pounds/square" at most.

Oh, and if you are leaking from behind the oil filter housing, check for fittings and such there. That is the area of the oil cooler and so there wil be pipes and fittings there.

 

[cmc]

Check the fittings running into the oil filter housing!! They tend to leak. and its by your oil filter. and while your driving, air would blow the oil back onto the bar!

 

[boostin97talon]

I had a customer complaining of an oil leak in that same spot once. It took me forever to diagnose it since there is so much crap in that area that could leak oil, plus the belts will throw the oil everywhere making the diagnosis even more fun. Turned out his oil pump gasket had blown out. (the oil pump is near the bottom of the motor, behind the timing belt / crank gear) I put a new one in, and months later it's still dry as can be. I'm not suggesting that this for sure is your problem, but it is possible, I've seen it first hand.

 

[Jerith]

I just need to replace the seal, right? Someone told me you have to be careful with the torque limit when putting the cover back? Anyone know about this?

 

[Turbo Guru]

Yes, you need a new valve cover gasket. The torque specs for the valve cover fasteners are 2-3 foot pounds, anything more than that will crack the cover (a very bad thing.)

Joe

 

[Jerith]

thanks for the reply, now, how do I know when I am at 2 or 3 foot pounds?

 

[Turbo Guru]

A small torque wrench is the best way, just tighten them snug by hand but don't overdo it, they crack very easily.

Joe

 

[xleRateGSX]

New gaskets from Mitsubishi and the instructions can be found at www.vfaq.com.

 

[markmakeitso]

if i were you i'd be sure to use new crush washers, and double check the bolts after the engine has been heated up and cooled down a couple dozen times

 

[91TSi]

Hey guys I have oil that collects in my valve cover and I dont know where it is coming from. By the looks of it, it seems to be coming out of my oil cap, but it is allways on tight. Is there a problem with oil caps on 1G DSM's??? Just wondring because I have know idea. Thanks in advance.



Robert

 

[Spidey]

I was having the same exact problem, and it is indeed your oil cap, just order a new cap or gasket from here, minimum order is $10 though, so you could get both a cap and a gasket, even though the cap comes with one, or order 5 gaskets like I did, or maybe you'll find something else you want too

 

[WALTMAN]

i agree its the cap, replace it before you go nuts trying to find the problem that isnt there. even if the cap feels tight it doesnt seal anymore and the oil comes out. i have 2 90 gsx same problem

 

[Dsmed]

just pick up a replacement cap for the auto parts store for $3.00