Oil leak on upper passenger side

[vesteroid]

I went to change my oil yesterday and the skid plate was covered. All the diff was covered, and steering rack.

I degreased the engine, power washed it and wiped it down clean with towels.

I took it for a drive for about 45 minutes and there is oil collecting on the ac compressor and it had just run down enough to start around the oil pan.

I can’t see any oil from the side of the valve cover so I am guessing it’s up front under the timing cover.

Going to try and pull the timing cover now that it’s all cooled off.

Any thoughts on how to pin this down?

 

[nissanh]

Have you checked the PCV valve area?

 

[vesteroid]

It’s clean

 

[vesteroid]

I pulled the cover and still can’t really see anything. There is a metal shield behind,the pulley that blocks my view.

I am guessing it al,ost has to be the valve cover gasket as I can see it’s right on top of,the ac compressor

 

[LittleCaesar]

Sounds like the semi circular (half moon) plug in the front is leaking.

 

[vesteroid]

So far I can’t get the lower left bolt out of timing cover #2. But I can get a tiny view of the half moon. Seems the rtv is kind of pushed out st the bottom into almost a tail or spout type shape...really hard to see.

If I didn’t have the top radiator hose off I would love to start it and see if I can see any oil.

 

[Sarki]

Sounds like most likely valve cover gasket replacement is in your future.
Got the same project ahead of me and not looking forward to it.
Seems like it’s a “right of passage” to all 3rd gen 3.4 liter owners once the miles start adding up.

 

[vesteroid]

I put it all back together and took it back out into the sun. It’s not coming from where I saw the rtv. I can see it right on the volt closest to the block that appears to be holding the ac compressor on. It pooling right there. I can’t see any evidence it’s coming from,the valve cover. No oil on the intake side.

That compressor appears to be below the head....what else could it be on the front on that side. It’s running fine. No water in the oil.

 

[Sarki]

Snap a picture and post if possible.
Cracked valve cover at mounting area near bolt from an over zealous prior owner cranking down on the bolts holding down the cover?

 

[octanejunkie]

Snap a picture and post if possible.
Cracked valve cover at mounting area near bolt from an over zealous prior owner cranking down on the bolts holding down the cover?

The valve cover gasket design on the 3.4L leaves something to be desired and is prone to leaking over time/miles.

Even after installing a fresh one, you need to tighten the valve cover bolts every few oil changes as the rubber on both the VCG and the bolt-washers harden and compress. If left untouched, the lower rim of the valve covers will leak eventually.

The location of the leak you are mentioning, however, is right near the power steering pump. Are you sure it's engine oil you are leaking?

 

[vesteroid]

The valve cover gasket design on the 3.4L leaves something to be desired and is prone to leaking over time/miles.

Even after installing a fresh one, you need to tighten the valve cover bolts every few oil changes as the rubber on both the VCG and the bolt-washers harden and compress. If left untouched, the lower rim of the valve covers will leak eventually.

The location of the leak you are mentioning, however, is right near the power steering pump. Are you sure it's engine oil you are leaking?

I thought it was power steering at first and replaced,the pump and changed the fluid. I am pretty convinced now it’s motor oil because I wiped up some after the clean up and it was not pink

 

[psea17]

wondering if you ever found the oil leak? thx

 

[3bears]

i now have an oil leak same place. leaks down on cross over pipe...its my vc gasket

 

[fatherohenry]

The valve cover gasket design on the 3.4L leaves something to be desired and is prone to leaking over time/miles.

Even after installing a fresh one, you need to tighten the valve cover bolts every few oil changes as the rubber on both the VCG and the bolt-washers harden and compress. If left untouched, the lower rim of the valve covers will leak eventually.

The location of the leak you are mentioning, however, is right near the power steering pump. Are you sure it's engine oil you are leaking?

This has been on my mind since I recently did the VCGs. There's only one way to get to the inner VC bolts on the left side, correct? Guess I should have bought extra intake manifold gaskets.

 

[Bad Luck]

This has been on my mind since I recently did the VCGs. There's only one way to get to the inner VC bolts on the left side, correct? Guess I should have bought extra intake manifold gaskets.

You will be fine reusing the metal intake manifold gaskets a couple times

 

[cvan1971man]

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