Oil Leak

[Mookhaasa]

I have a 1997 GS-t. I got in a trade and have had it about 3-4months. Since the Trade it has had a couple issues. I replaced the coil packs after they were dicovered to have dry rotted. Now I have an oil leak. I put new oil in and it seems to ooze from between the head and the block and just spew down the front...which I assume is not safe to drive if oil is flowing toward a hot manifold.

Question is... Could this be fixed with a new headgasket? And I know it takes a while to do but do You think a smart noob could fix this? I live in Virginia Beach VA and need to get my car back on the road if anyone local wants to help me out with answers and could maybe help me do this.

I don't have money to pay a shop. I was quoted $2500+

 

[Detective Coating]

Get a picture of where it's leaking, usually its coolant that will leak out of the headgasket. It's definitely not worth $2500 you can get a brand new engine for cheaper than that.

 

[Tim Melton]

Get a manual its not that bad.I did it a few years back with no help and little mechanical experiance.If you want help pm me and i will answer quickly.

 

[romeen]

If I understand you correctly then it sounds like the leak is above the exhaust manifold. If so, then the leak is most likely from the valve cover gasket, not the head gasket. This is not uncommon and is an easy fix. A new valve cover gasket for a 2G costs less than $20 and can be installed by any home mechanic with basic tools (ratchet w/10mm socket) in less than 30 minutes (5-10 minutes if you have done it before). If you're still unsure post a pic of the leaking area.

Word of caution if changing the VC gasket yourself: Be careful of over tightening the valve cover bolts. The VC is easily cracked.

 

[Mookhaasa]

Okay So I will clean off the block and replace the VC gasket. What are the torque specs on the valve cover bolts?

Hand tight then 1/4 turn? 1/3? 85/10029381?

 

[romeen]

Torque spec for valve cover bolts is 2.5 ft/lbs. Hand tighten plus additional (approximate) 1/4 turn should do it. The ones in the spark plug valley are the ones you need to be particularly careful with.

Don't forget to put a bit of RTV silicone where indicated (consult Haynes, Chilton's, etc).

 

[Defiant]

.DO NOT try to "torque" the valve cover screws. Just bring them down to "snug". The material used to make valve covers comes out of the back of girl chickens.

 

[datrip]

Be very careful because those bad boys will crack in a heart beat. I suggest taking the shortest rachet and using a single finger or 2 to tighten, , but seriously.

Also if you do crack them just take it to a good machine shop and let them weld it. I cracked my Evo's and it was magnisium based and took a special welder/rod.