Oil leak just below valve cover

[jonnieguns]

I was replacing my driver-side valve cover gasket yesterday and noticed oil leaking from the circled location in my attached photograph. I put a wrench on it, but it wasn't loose. I'm not sure what this bolt head is for. Any suggestions?

Also, I'll be due for my 5,000 mile oil change in 500 miles, in case anyone comments on my oil!

Edit: I apologize for the large image; I guess I didn't shrink it enough.

 

[ajonesnv]

That is most likely drip from the VC.

That bolt looks like one of the header bolts and it doesn't have oil on the other side.

 

[mrtucker80]

Did you replace the VC gaskets because it was leaking? If so then that is likely just leaked oil that collected in that depression. There isn't really anywhere along the side of the heads for oil to leak from.

You would be amazed at how much and where oil leaking from the VC gaskets will go. I had alot more oil than that all along the rear of my motor, changed the VC gaskets and it all seems to be right for now.

I wouldn't worry to much about it. Run it for a few days and check it again. Likely it will have burned off and gone with the new gasket in place.

 

[jonnieguns]

Ok, thanks. I'll keep an eye on it.

I have a can electric parts cleaner to use on the alternator, and then I should be good!

 

[DeathCougar]

I was replacing my driver-side valve cover gasket yesterday and noticed oil leaking from the circled location in my attached photograph. I put a wrench on it, but it wasn't loose. I'm not sure what this bolt head is for. Any suggestions?

Also, I'll be due for my 5,000 mile oil change in 500 miles, in case anyone comments on my oil!

Edit: I apologize for the large image; I guess I didn't shrink it enough.

That nut holds on your exhaust manifold, and is threaded onto a stud that is in a blind hole; meaning the hole doesn't open into any oil passages, therefore oil couldn't possibly be coming from it unless your head had a massive crack through it.

Its just oil collected from a leaking valve cover. Very common. Little bit of brake cleaner sprayed on there with some air to blow it off and you'll never see it again.

 

[jonnieguns]

I'm getting pretty frustrated at this point. I replaced my driver's side valve cover gasket twice because the leaking oil was making my alternator do funny things. After driving 10 miles, I can see oil collecting on the metal shield just above the alternator again! It seems like the valve cover bolts won't stay tight. I even tried blue loc-tite this time. Do you guys have any suggestions?

 

[LittleCaesar]

Did you pull out the semi circular (half moon) plugs and reseal them? It sounds like your problem. Or possibly a crack in the valve cover itself.

5vzfe leaky valve covers fixed (56k beware) - Page 2 - YotaTech Forums

 

[DeathCougar]

Did you pull out the semi circular (half moon) plugs and reseal them? It sounds like your problem. Or possibly a crack in the valve cover itself.

5vzfe leaky valve covers fixed (56k beware) - Page 2 - YotaTech Forums

^^What he said

check for a crack in the cover itself, front corner bolt. Very common when people overtighten the valve cover. There isn't any reason it should be leaking twice, unless you are using inferior quality parts, have a broken cover, or are getting debri in there.

 

[jonnieguns]

The leak is on the side of the cover, between the first and second bolt. I hate to say it, but it may be cracked because I believe I overtightened it during the first gasket change. Parts are all OEM, minus Felpro gaskets.

Thanks for the feedback, guys. I can always count on the forum.