Recently bought a 98 with 200k miles on it. When going to do my first oil change on it I noticed lots of oil and dirt all over the steering rack and skid plate. Looks like the leak is coming from somewhere and basically just dripping down my transmission bell housing. Some oil lines connecting to the oil pan also have oil on them. After doing research it seems that this is likely due to the valve cover gaskets but was wanting some confirmation before I jump into such a large job. Thanks!
Need help with leak identification, possibly valve cover gaskets?
- Thread starter psyduck
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Looks like you have a significant amount of oil leaking. That usually points to the valve cover gaskets which include replacement of the cam seals and half moons.
Based on mileage and the fact you don’t seem to have any info on when the VCG were last replaced I would say it’s a safe place to start.
It’s not an overly difficult job to do even if you’re not a home wrencher.
I recommend going with OEM parts and allocating a weekend. Take your time, take pictures and notes along the way, label hoses and wiring clips and clean along the way.
Not a bad job and nothing better than a clean engine bay!
Based on mileage and the fact you don’t seem to have any info on when the VCG were last replaced I would say it’s a safe place to start.
It’s not an overly difficult job to do even if you’re not a home wrencher.
I recommend going with OEM parts and allocating a weekend. Take your time, take pictures and notes along the way, label hoses and wiring clips and clean along the way.
Not a bad job and nothing better than a clean engine bay!
Devbot
New member
That IS a very common sign of valve covers, but it also could be something else like rear main. But 90% of the time it's the valvetrain leaking and making everything wet and look worse than it is. Your best bet would be to tackle the valve covers anyways as it would be the cheapest and easiest common denominator. You can try poking a camera around the valve covers but you may or may not see anything. I currently have a very similar leak and it ended up being the half moons in the rear I forgot to change out last time, and even then its incredibly hard to see from above the engine bay
So with that said, don't forget the half moons and cam plugs lol
So with that said, don't forget the half moons and cam plugs lol
ccampbell01
Junior Member
Let us know if that fixes the issue! I have the same issue almost identical leak patterns and will be right behind you soon! Good luck hope it works.
AJPuleo23
Member
I tracked mine down to trans cooler lines that had corroded and were leaking on to the skid plate.
My advice would be to get some degreaser and a hose, and spray down and clean where you see some of the gunk as best you can.
Then when you drive it (without the skid plates) take a cardboard box and put some papertowels (white) in the box so that you can catch the color of the fresh leak if possible. That is, if it is leaking that much.
I noticed mine would only leak once the ATF became warm enough to escape out. Quite a PITA leak, if I am being honest.
If it is the valve covers, cam plugs, half moons etc, while the engine is running you may even be able to catch a bit of smoke if its leaking out on to the exhaust manifold before you tear into it and start the VC job assuming that was your plan.
Also, you can keep track of your oil levels to see if that can give you any indication over time.
My advice would be to get some degreaser and a hose, and spray down and clean where you see some of the gunk as best you can.
Then when you drive it (without the skid plates) take a cardboard box and put some papertowels (white) in the box so that you can catch the color of the fresh leak if possible. That is, if it is leaking that much.
I noticed mine would only leak once the ATF became warm enough to escape out. Quite a PITA leak, if I am being honest.
If it is the valve covers, cam plugs, half moons etc, while the engine is running you may even be able to catch a bit of smoke if its leaking out on to the exhaust manifold before you tear into it and start the VC job assuming that was your plan.
Also, you can keep track of your oil levels to see if that can give you any indication over time.
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Side note
OP - if it turns out to be your VCG, then learn from my mistake and keep this in mind while you are replacing the VCG.
While re-installing the VC, take your time and make sure it is setting down completely flat and even all around the perimeter, before you start cranking down on the attachment screws. Some hoses will get in the way as you are fishing the VC back into place, and you have to push them out of the way to make room. If you don't notice that it is setting crooked, then you will likely crack one of the VC ears when you start tightening the screws. And then you will have an even bigger oil leak. And then you will likely play hell trying to find a replacement VC. Whatever you do, do NOT buy an aftermarket Dorman VC. If you do, then your engine might start ingesting a large quantity of oil through the intake, and smoke will emerge from your exhaust. Do everything possible to find an OEM one, even if it is used. If you post a request here and are real lucky, a fellow member will have one lying around and ship it to you (thanks again, thegipper). And that will get your ass out of the big sling that it got into.
Don't ask me how I know all of this.
OP - if it turns out to be your VCG, then learn from my mistake and keep this in mind while you are replacing the VCG.
While re-installing the VC, take your time and make sure it is setting down completely flat and even all around the perimeter, before you start cranking down on the attachment screws. Some hoses will get in the way as you are fishing the VC back into place, and you have to push them out of the way to make room. If you don't notice that it is setting crooked, then you will likely crack one of the VC ears when you start tightening the screws. And then you will have an even bigger oil leak. And then you will likely play hell trying to find a replacement VC. Whatever you do, do NOT buy an aftermarket Dorman VC. If you do, then your engine might start ingesting a large quantity of oil through the intake, and smoke will emerge from your exhaust. Do everything possible to find an OEM one, even if it is used. If you post a request here and are real lucky, a fellow member will have one lying around and ship it to you (thanks again, thegipper). And that will get your ass out of the big sling that it got into.
Don't ask me how I know all of this.
