Valve cover leak?

[Red Beard]

Is this leaking oil from the valve cover? I have a road trip this weekend and I just noticed puddles of oil on the garage floor. Oil level is fine.
Odd thing is, I just got the driver side valve cover replaced after a very minor leak, I never had puddles on the ground. This leak seems to be more prominent and a new puddle will show up within 24 hours.

 

[andrewderrick]

Sure looks like it

 

[bcarbs]

If that's the side you just had replaced I'd try have a go at re-torquing the cover bolts. If that's the pass side (which based off the pic I think is?) it's likely time there too. Not much else higher than that to start collecting oil. The good news is the passenger side access is much easier in than the driver. Good idea to change the tube seals at the same time when you have it off.

 

[Red Beard]

Yeah this is the other side that wasn’t replaced, passenger side.

Ok, that’s my understanding as well. I assume it’s safe to drive as long as I keep an eye on oil level. I don’t think it’s spitting out.

 

[bcarbs]

yeah for sure - I have some OEM tube seals gaskets and bolts around too if you need. Just shoot me a DM. I had purchased last yr for my rig and was pleasnatly surprised that they were already done. The previous owner just reused the gnarly looking cover bolts.

 

[Boss Hog]

I JUST got back from ATLR in Denver with this diagnosis for the leak in my garage. In all fairness, it’s been noted on every visit. But now it’s a problem. 273k miles is a nice ling life for the original gasket…

 

[rexington14]

Ok, that’s my understanding as well. I assume it’s safe to drive as long as I keep an eye on oil level.

Never owned a German car?

 

[Red Beard]

Never owned a German car?

haha, I drove a BMW Mini for a while, no leaks when I had it. But I know that can be the exception.

And this is the first time I've noticed an oil patch below my 100 since owning it. I guess this is what happens when you hit 230k.

 

[TahoeZ]

Try snugging down the valve cover bolts when the engine is warm. The torque spec for these bolts is very low and they get loose as the rubber washers break down over time. Often snugging them down will greatly reduce the leak.

 

[2001LC]

To date. I've stopped every head cover leak, that had factory gasket still in place. By simple re-torque bolts to 54INCH-lbf. It takes at least two passes, done in cross pattern. Also vacuum system operating a peak, most importantly PCV system.

The only ones, I've not stop, and had to replace head cover gaskets. Is when they'd been replaced already. So often install poorly or non OEM junk, that I must then replace properly with OEM gaskets & seals.

I JUST got back from ATLR in Denver with this diagnosis for the leak in my garage. In all fairness, it’s been noted on every visit. But now it’s a problem. 273k miles is a nice ling life for the original gasket…

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I looking at your pictures, I see a 98-02 with new R&P. I also see:

• Drips on concert under DS, under or forward of the main (#2) frame crossmember.
• Also see more oil on PS cross member than DS.

Head cover leaks tend to run to back of engine.

Neither of these pictures, are indicative of head cover leaks. Unless very bad and going on a very long time. Which I'd also expect to see #2 undershield very wet and most drip on floor rear of #2 cross member. Only thing I see on #2 shield is a spot, that look red, near forward PS. Red is either Toy LL (red) or ATF. If it is red Toy coolant. Then likely from heater Tees, either a leak or remnants from when tees replaced.

I'd look more at Power steering hoses and vane, when I see PS LCA and X-member wet. Which I see both HP and LP lines of PS show some weepage.

Also timing belt area, tends to get main cross member (#2) wet. Number one leak, is not sealing Timing belt tensioner bolt. #2 leak, crank seal, when seal has been replaces. I've not yet seen a factory crank seal leak in any 4.7L (up 25 yr 400K miles). Nor have I seen cam seal leaks, in 98-05 4.7L. In a properly maintained engine. Yet another, area replacement seals, are causing leaks.

The really bad leaks of a factory seal. Is oil pump galley front and read seal (O-rings). Which I've yet to see in properly maintained engine leak, by all weep a tad at ~150K mile. If a leak due to damaged O-ring. This leaves drips coming from and around t-belt weep hole area. With rear O-ring. We see wet drips from bell house weep hole.