Normal to see oily residue on timing belt?

[killerwhale]

Just wondering as I recently replaced the valve cover gasket (was leaking out the half circle on a boost leak test) and I cracked the valve cover on tightening. Apparently 26-36in. lbs is a lot less than I thought.

Anyway I thought I had sufficiently patched it with JB weld and have another one on order from some junkyard in SK but I thought I would ask just in case it's normal. I've been taking the upper timing cover off every day or two to check and sometimes it's dry but occasionally has a slight oily side closest to the head.

Thanks for your input.

 

[Achelea]

No, it's not normal. If you see oil there, it can seep down the side of the motor, and if it gets on the balance shaft belts, it can break them down and cause the motor to jump timing.

I say either get ready for a Timing belt job, or at the very least, ready to pull the side off and check the belts!

 

[khomza]

Definitely not normal, did you pot some RTV on the gasket when you installed it? I always put a very thin layer. If you get oil on the belt you should probably change it soon since that degrades the belt much more quickly. You don't have to unles you were planning on rebuilding your motor anyway.

 

[JusMX141]

Normal if you have a cracked valve cover or leaking valve cover gasket, leaking cam seals or a leaking oil pump / crank seal.

It's recommended that you remedy the situation before your valves meet the pistons.

 

[kawgomoo]

why on earth was your valve cover gasket leaking during a boost leak test?

wtf?

 

[crashman1972]

why on earth was your valve cover gasket leaking during a boost leak test?

wtf?

thinking the same

 

[red94gsx]

The oily residue is probably leaking from somewhere. I would do a timing belt job if it is anywhere close to the service interval. I'm in the middle of one right now because my water pump started leaking.

 

[justinschmiidt]

why on earth was your valve cover gasket leaking during a boost leak test?

wtf?

Bad PCV valve, or valve seals. Among a few other things.

 

[crashman1972]

Bad PCV valve, or valve seals. Among a few other things.

Makes since my bad!

 

[Chicken Patty]

I'd definitely fix this ASAP. I would also pull off the covers and also check and see what else down there got oil on it and change if possible (belt wise). This definitely is not normal.

 

[Bluefire16]

^^^ Why would it be leaking?

Have you ever done a BLT? You are supposed take the oil cap off when doing a BLT. Haven't you ever hear the air going into the motor?

 

[Chicken Patty]

^^^ Why would it be leaking?

Have you ever done a BLT? You are supposed take the oil cap off when doing a BLT. Haven't you ever hear the air going into the motor?

To whom was that intended?

 

[jrbach]

Chicken Patty...pretty sure it was directed at the OP.
Bluefire's suggesting to the OP that by not removing the oil cap...too much pressure blew out the seal of the valve cover gasket.

Oh...forgot to write that you better resolve the oil leak and do the timing/balance belt job before you have to do a valve job when the belt(s) jump/skip.