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Help Identifying engine leak

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Old 03-29-2020, 06:10 PM
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heedtheninja67
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Identifying engine leak

I have two leaks from the driver’s side of the engine. Is this the valve cover gasket? Could anyone tell me what would be involved in the fix and what other things I should have done while the engine is apart? Picture is below.
Thanks


Last edited by heedtheninja67; 03-30-2020 at 11:36 AM.
Old 03-30-2020, 04:47 PM
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heedtheninja67
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Update: Dealer said it's the valve cover gasket. $729 is what they're charging.
Old 03-30-2020, 05:12 PM
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Surfnazi
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That's about right for 2 hour job the book at
Old 03-31-2020, 08:22 PM
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antirice
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If the leaking isn't too bad probably can just leave it alone. My car has over 140K miles and it's been looking like OP's picture for the longest time.
Old 03-31-2020, 10:29 PM
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SonicVQ
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As I see it, that is a very minor sweat that does not need fixing.
Also, that is not from the valve cover.
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Old 04-01-2020, 11:36 AM
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ILM-NC G37S
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#1- that is NOT a valve cover gasket issue. That area is the intake cam/VTC control cover (specifically for bank #2 as circled in OP's pic).
#2- any dealer/repair shop that can not distinguish between the VTC and valve cover(s) doesn't get $730.
#3- unless oil is seeping through and dripping all over, I would leave it alone.

You might have some minor sweating as SonicVQ mentioned, but I seriously doubt you have a serious oil leak. It is not worth tearing down the entire assembly just to replace those particular gaskets and it will cost A LOT more than $730. Just my 10¢.

For the record mine gets dirty gradually over time. I just wipe it clean and move on. I have zero oil loss/issues ('08 Coupe, ≈108k miles).
Just wipe it clean and go from there.

Last edited by ILM-NC G37S; 04-01-2020 at 02:56 PM.
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Old 04-01-2020, 10:50 PM
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heedtheninja67
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Thanks guys. From what I can tell, there is no drip onto other components. Oil level is still at the 2nd dot after 3k miles since the last change. Gave it a wipe.
Old 05-17-2024, 07:45 AM
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John3.7
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Hey guys I’ve been trying to figure this oil leak for a a while. I’m not sure if it’s the timing cover or VTC cover. I know it’s not valve covers cuz I changed them and also I oil I dripping onto the A/c compressor and other components. Can anyone help me pinpoint this leak?



Here are some pictures I took while trying to find the leak. Anyone know where I can pinpoint it? There’s also oil around the thermostat housing, any help?


Originally Posted by ILM-NC G37S
#1- that is NOT a valve cover gasket issue. That area is the intake cam/VTC control cover (specifically for bank #2 as circled in OP's pic).
#2- any dealer/repair shop that can not distinguish between the VTC and valve cover(s) doesn't get $730.
#3- unless oil is seeping through and dripping all over, I would leave it alone.

You might have some minor sweating as SonicVQ mentioned, but I seriously doubt you have a serious oil leak. It is not worth tearing down the entire assembly just to replace those particular gaskets and it will cost A LOT more than $730. Just my 10¢.

For the record mine gets dirty gradually over time. I just wipe it clean and move on. I have zero oil loss/issues ('08 Coupe, ≈108k miles).
Just wipe it clean and go from there.
Old 06-29-2024, 04:06 PM
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Diesel_Haphazar
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Get a few cans of brake clean and go to town. That seeping isn't really worth trying to fix at this point. It looks like the VTC cover gasket and possibly the sealer around the timing cover are allowing oil to seep out.
Old 06-30-2024, 10:09 AM
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socketz67
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Originally Posted by heedtheninja67
I have two leaks from the driver’s side of the engine. Is this the valve cover gasket? Could anyone tell me what would be involved in the fix and what other things I should have done while the engine is apart? Picture is below.
Thanks
As others mentioned, looks minor and likely not from the valve cover. I'd clean the area with some engine degreaser and keep an eye on it as it looks minor. I had some "oil sweat" near my thermostat when I changed it out. I cleaned it off with some rags and it hasn't reappeared. Likely took years to get to that point.
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