Oil leak from cap... help?

[Fayt]

Alright, I'm almost 100% positive that my oil cap is leaking. So, I bought a new cap, held for about 2 days, and now it leaks again. Could it be a bad seal? What about those screws that go into where the spark plugs go? Could one of those screws be loose and leaking oil? I'd realy like to know, because after driving my car there is a pool of oil where the plugs go in.

 

[crankbender]

Are you blowing oil out the dipstick? this is very very common.

To find the area that is leaking clean out all the oil. wedge a towel/rag into the recess so that it will not fly out when you drive. Now drive a little. Check the rag often for where the oil collects first.

 

[oldman]

Still leaking after a new cap (provided you know for sure that oil is from the cap) is a possible indication of excessive crankcase pressure. This can be caused by either poor crankcase venting capacity, pressure leaks into the crankcase or both. How are the breather valve and pcv routed? Is the car smoking?

 

[SpooledGSX98]

Oil in the spark plug valley might also be from a crack in your valve cover. Do you run the spark plug cover? maybe you over tightened it, or over tightened a valve cover bolt. They are extremely easy to over tighten and crack, considering the torque specs are like 6ft lbs, or is it in. lbs? either way, pretty much finger tight.

Maybe remove your valve cover one day, and flip it over and look for any noticeable cracks. Every DSMer has gone through a valve cover

 

[Fayt]

The car doesnt smoke at all, it just builds up. I might have over tightened one of those bolts before, I'll check for cracks. The breather valve goes into my intake and the pcv would be routed like a stock engine I suppose, I've only touched the intake. I'll try shoving a rag in there real quick while I get some food, then post the results.

 

[Fayt]

It is DEFINITELY coming from the oil cap. I shoved a rag in there (after cleaning old oil out), then drove it around the block, pop the hood. The rag is wet right around where the oil cap is, and there is some on the valve cover as well. The breather hose goes back into my intake (injen), checked it, and it looks clean. What else could it be?

 

[ddavisaf]

Replace the oil cap with an OEM one, and you might have to replace the valve cover also if it's cracked.

 

[Fayt]

I replaced it with an aftermarket one already. The thing is on there REALLY tight, way tighter then my old OEM one was. Still get a new one? I already found a cheap valve cover too, so I might as well get it also.

 

[oldman]

It is DEFINITELY coming from the oil cap. I shoved a rag in there (after cleaning old oil out), then drove it around the block, pop the hood. The rag is wet right around where the oil cap is, and there is some on the valve cover as well. The breather hose goes back into my intake (injen), checked it, and it looks clean. What else could it be?

If you're sure it's coming from the cap and both the pcv and breather are routed back to the stock location, replace the pcv with an oem one. it can either be stuck open allowing boost pressure to enter the crankcase or stuck closed preventing properventing of the crankcase.

Don't buy the VC yet unless you find cracks or oil leakage from other locations.

 

[Fayt]

If I take the PCV off, can I tell if its stuck at all just by looking at it, or is there some kind of test?

 

[oldman]

If I take the PCV off, can I tell if its stuck at all just by looking at it, or is there some kind of test?

You can remove it and apply pressure air to the fitting side (intake manifold) to make sure it doesn't leak then blow air into the threaded side (crankcase side) to make sure it opens with very little effort.

 

[Fayt]

Well, the valve cover is cracked in 2 spots, ordering a new one

 

[SpooledGSX98]

Well, the valve cover is cracked in 2 spots, ordering a new one

::cough cough:: wiseman title please ::cough cough:: jk

Good to hear that you found the problem

 

[oldman]

::cough cough:: wiseman title please ::cough cough:: jk

Good to hear that you found the problem

Good call but still doesn't explain oil been forced out of the oil cap unless the cracks are near the cap. Whether the problem will be completely resolved with a new VC still remains to be seen, I would definitely still check the pcv anyway. Oh yea, you should really get that cough looked at.

 

[Goodguy162000]

Yeah, most cases it's a cracked valve cover it seems but mine must have been a rarity. I had the same symptoms and came to find out I had NO cracks. I tried 3 different kinds of caps including Mitsu OEM, Fram, and a Pilot performance. Come to find out, my valve cover was WARPED. Go figure.

 

[ddavisaf]

Definately check the pcv still like oldman said. A little bird told me he's a pretty smart guy.
Ever have a problem with your oil dipstick popin' up on you?

 

[SpooledGSX98]

Good call but still doesn't explain oil been forced out of the oil cap unless the cracks are near the cap. Whether the problem will be completely resolved with a new VC still remains to be seen, I would definitely still check the pcv anyway. Oh yea, you should really get that cough looked at.

I'll let you feel around while I turn and cough.