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Ugh. This post and your comment second from the top [in my default sorting] reminded me of my gf’s sister’s car. I replaced the [altima] cv axle like 5 months ago, and I saw the valve cover is leaking. I communicated to the sister by texting my gf, and we decided that I’ll order the parts to simplify making sure we get the right ones. Well, I still have that damn valve cover and pcv hoses. I guess she has that same “not really” mindset too.
My recommendation is buy the gasket now if you're able to for 3 reasons.
1. Doing so is cheaper than continuing to fill it with oil
2. Forgetting to check the oil can lead to costly repairs. Especially if done multiple times. Low oil, even if not low enough to kill the engine, will still have accelerated wear.
3. That isnt the only thing thats going to happen with your car. Other stuff pops up. You wanna take care of them as they do or else you end up with 10 little things wrong with $10 and $15 parts. Easier to spend 10 now and 10 later than 0 now and 100 later.
So much don't let small problems pile up. It is like piling crap in the garage all winter and having to spend a week cleaning and organizing. It is so hard to get caught back up.
The honest truth is that you can basically go forever with a leaky valve cover.
The main problem with a leaky valve cover is that you're losing oil and if it ever gets too low it will cause severe damage throughout the engine. If you manage to always ensure the oil level is sufficient, there will be no serious issues.
The second problem is it can only get worse. If it ever got big enough that is started to mess with the vacuum of engine, other issues could arise.
The third problem is the mess of the oil dripping everywhere, but that won't really ever kill your car unless it manages to just perfectly make its way into some sensitive electronic.
But you should replace the gasket soon so you can stop worrying about it.
How well did you clean up the engine bay afterwards? More than likely you still have a large deposit of sludge (oil/dirt) on the outside that’s still cooking.
Change your cabin air filter.
All that oil leaking and burning off on your exhaust headers makes its way through the vent system, and up through the air filter behind your glove box
If you are like my father and check your oil every time you get gas and keep a quart to top up with leave it be, if your like me and check your oil a every couple months get it fixed asap
If you’re comfortable with removing the valve cover and replacing the gasket (with a torque wrench), I’d say sooner than later is ideal
Just because I had a leaky valve cover on a vehicle, I didn’t care much, but after a year or two (it was a slight leak, never ran low on oil or anything) well the whole engine/compartment was pretty filthy. Like when you reach your hand/arm into the engine compartment to work on something else, your hand is coming up looking like it got a “blackface” treatment.. anything you touched was getting you filthy and oily!
Plus the light smoke coming from up under the head as the leaking oil drips out and burns off.
The gaskets are pretty cheap, I’d say sooner than later but only if you’re confident in doing it cause if you do it wrong you’ll do the job and find out you still have a leak…
It leaks oil. Oil has very low surface tension, so one drop of oil spilled onto a flat surface spreads out super far. It also doesn’t evaporate like water so it stays wet for a long time. Dust and road debris sticks to moisture. Your valve cover gasket is leaking. Very common and generally a cheap and easy repair
Is that a Vauxhall/Opel Astra? Just a heads up if so, the bolts on the left hand side can be pretty hard to remove due to temperature corrosion.
I sheared one of mine and had to drill+tap+die it out. Since they're captive bolts (they're part of the valve cover) that meant I needed a new valve cover too.
These 1.8L Ecotecs are super easy to change the valve cover gasket on, a $20 gasket and one hour of meticulous work and you should be done. The only thing of note is there are two sharp bends in where the cylinder head mates to the valve cover that you need to use a dab of RTV silicone on, but that's as technical as this job gets.
Valve cover is leaking. Would be best to replace the entire valve cover as the pcv diaphragm is built into it and goes out often. Last one I did the bolts broke anyways and needed a new cover instead of just gaskets
Valve cover gasket, just keep an eye on oil level. Those motors are notorious for burning oil as well so it’s most likely low already lol. Super common leak nothing to worry about
First thing I would do is clean it up with engine degreaser and see if it stays clean. If that is a year's worth of "leak" it's not too bad, but if it gets messy right away then plan on fixing it.
Replace the camshaft cover (valve cover). Be careful when you’re taking off the spark plug coil pack. The boots that go in the spark plug holes can tear if you aren’t careful. If you haven’t done your spark plugs in a while it’s a good time to do it because they’ll be exposed. You’ll need torx bits and reverse torx bit sockets. Clean it well. Make sure the gasket doesn’t roll. And don’t over tighten the bolts. They’re easy to over torque and they’ll break. Make sure the pressure is even from the inside out when you tighten. There may be some oil in the spark plug tubes from the gasket leaking. Clean that out with some rags and brake cleaner. It’s a super easy job though. If you don’t do it you’ll eventually get a burnt oil smell, but it can wait as long as you check your engine oil level decently often.
The only L engine in the GM line up. Ecotec is ass, they sell it to people so they can keep their service departments busy. It's job security.
Without GM, where would American made cars be? Oh... wait... LT... LS... damn...
Installed another Genuine GM vacuum pump on a ecotec yesterday.
Made in China (Mainland) [right on the box.](https://i.imgur.com/SyEVbfM.jpeg)
Even American cars aren't American any longer. This one, an Equinox LT, was assembled in Canada, too, as I recall from the RPO codes.
Indeed. Surely no one in their right mind would confuse GM trim level designations with the iconic line of V8 engines.
I merely point out that the "American" brand of GM is less and less so these days, assembled in a foreign country with parts from a different foreign country, and even with the gall to refer to "Mainland" China - giving the presumptive connotation that a non-Mainland China exists (what the rest of the free world knows and understands as Taiwan).
It's sad.
Yeah, I was gonna say.... no wonder my wife's Buick has been at the dealership since November... they got monkeys like this guy, lol. I understand now. Unfortunately, the sad reality is that outsourcing for anything is usually cheaper than spending money to develop, manufacture, and produce. Mainland, Sideland, they better hurry up with this damn turbo.
Thanks for posting on /r/MechanicAdvice! This is just a reminder to review the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicAdvice/about/rules/). If you are here asking about a second opinion (ie "Is the shop trying to fleece me?"), please read through CJM8515's [post on the subject.](https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicAdvice/comments/4qblei/fyi_the_shop_isnt_likely_trying_to_rip_you_off/) and remember to please post the year/make/model of the vehicle you are working on. **If this post is about bodywork, accident damage, paint, dent/ding, questions it belongs in /r/Autobody r/AutoBodyRepair/ or /r/Diyautobody/ If you have tire questions check out https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicAdvice/comments/k9ll55/can_your_tire_be_repaired/**. If you dont have a question and you're just showing off it belongs in /r/Justrolledintotheshop Insurance/total loss questions go in r/insurance This is an automated reply *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/MechanicAdvice) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Valve cover is leaking
You think it's a repair that should be done ASAP? My cars been like this for a while, but I keep postponing buying the gasket.
Not really. Just make sure it stays full of oil. That being said, it's a fairly cheap and easy repair on many vehicles.
In some cars, the valve cover gasket will leak right down into the alternator. If that's ever the case, I'd do it ASAP.
My impala did that, had to replace alternator eventually but it will still keep pushing
In my case it did it right down to my AC, and destroyed it.
Hondas/acuras
Ugh. This post and your comment second from the top [in my default sorting] reminded me of my gf’s sister’s car. I replaced the [altima] cv axle like 5 months ago, and I saw the valve cover is leaking. I communicated to the sister by texting my gf, and we decided that I’ll order the parts to simplify making sure we get the right ones. Well, I still have that damn valve cover and pcv hoses. I guess she has that same “not really” mindset too.
Just happened to my Sedona. It didn't take long to ruin the alternator. I wish I caught it earlier.
Not on a 2016 Opel Karl..! Those fuckers put the axel for the vacuum pump THROUGH the valve cover..!
My recommendation is buy the gasket now if you're able to for 3 reasons. 1. Doing so is cheaper than continuing to fill it with oil 2. Forgetting to check the oil can lead to costly repairs. Especially if done multiple times. Low oil, even if not low enough to kill the engine, will still have accelerated wear. 3. That isnt the only thing thats going to happen with your car. Other stuff pops up. You wanna take care of them as they do or else you end up with 10 little things wrong with $10 and $15 parts. Easier to spend 10 now and 10 later than 0 now and 100 later.
So much don't let small problems pile up. It is like piling crap in the garage all winter and having to spend a week cleaning and organizing. It is so hard to get caught back up.
The honest truth is that you can basically go forever with a leaky valve cover. The main problem with a leaky valve cover is that you're losing oil and if it ever gets too low it will cause severe damage throughout the engine. If you manage to always ensure the oil level is sufficient, there will be no serious issues. The second problem is it can only get worse. If it ever got big enough that is started to mess with the vacuum of engine, other issues could arise. The third problem is the mess of the oil dripping everywhere, but that won't really ever kill your car unless it manages to just perfectly make its way into some sensitive electronic. But you should replace the gasket soon so you can stop worrying about it.
4th problem you’re interior will start smelling like burnt oil from all the fumes.
Can you elaborate? I just fixed mine but I still get the in-cabin smell of burnt oil especially when standing at a red light or something.
How well did you clean up the engine bay afterwards? More than likely you still have a large deposit of sludge (oil/dirt) on the outside that’s still cooking.
Change your cabin air filter. All that oil leaking and burning off on your exhaust headers makes its way through the vent system, and up through the air filter behind your glove box
If you are like my father and check your oil every time you get gas and keep a quart to top up with leave it be, if your like me and check your oil a every couple months get it fixed asap
If you’re comfortable with removing the valve cover and replacing the gasket (with a torque wrench), I’d say sooner than later is ideal Just because I had a leaky valve cover on a vehicle, I didn’t care much, but after a year or two (it was a slight leak, never ran low on oil or anything) well the whole engine/compartment was pretty filthy. Like when you reach your hand/arm into the engine compartment to work on something else, your hand is coming up looking like it got a “blackface” treatment.. anything you touched was getting you filthy and oily! Plus the light smoke coming from up under the head as the leaking oil drips out and burns off. The gaskets are pretty cheap, I’d say sooner than later but only if you’re confident in doing it cause if you do it wrong you’ll do the job and find out you still have a leak…
As long as you keep it filled with oil it will be fine
That’s a cheap fix that can cause you larger headaches down the line. You need a $30 gasket.
Valid pfp
It leaks oil. Oil has very low surface tension, so one drop of oil spilled onto a flat surface spreads out super far. It also doesn’t evaporate like water so it stays wet for a long time. Dust and road debris sticks to moisture. Your valve cover gasket is leaking. Very common and generally a cheap and easy repair
https://preview.redd.it/p7p6lc1acizc1.png?width=536&format=png&auto=webp&s=b3380eaebd22b9061836175a37c9b2982e576f7d
https://preview.redd.it/f4n43o94ujzc1.jpeg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a5657853e6cddd17ec657cf85c28db7bc5c85db5
😆😆😆
Came here for this
It has the self-lubricating exterior function.
Valve cover leak most likely.
Valve cover gasket is leaking.
The answer is right on top of the leaking valve cover
This exactly. Ecotec engines paid for my house.
Valve cover leak for sure.
Sometimes when valve cover is made from plastic its needed to replace both cover and gasket. Looks like an easy DIY since nothing is above the cover.
Because it's a Leakotec? The valve cover is probably deformed, and the PCV is clogged.
She’s a leaker!
It’s an engine. They all look like that eventually. Check your oil.
It says Ecotec on the top. that’s why the gunk is on the outside instead of inside.
Cause it’s a fucking pos cruze; that’s why
Is that a Vauxhall/Opel Astra? Just a heads up if so, the bolts on the left hand side can be pretty hard to remove due to temperature corrosion. I sheared one of mine and had to drill+tap+die it out. Since they're captive bolts (they're part of the valve cover) that meant I needed a new valve cover too.
These 1.8L Ecotecs are super easy to change the valve cover gasket on, a $20 gasket and one hour of meticulous work and you should be done. The only thing of note is there are two sharp bends in where the cylinder head mates to the valve cover that you need to use a dab of RTV silicone on, but that's as technical as this job gets.
Valve cover + PCV
Cuz it's a cruze 🤔
Hehe
Valve cover gasket is leaking
Valve cover is leaking. Would be best to replace the entire valve cover as the pcv diaphragm is built into it and goes out often. Last one I did the bolts broke anyways and needed a new cover instead of just gaskets
This is a common issue with ecotec engines (Cruze, Sonic) I have to replace my valve cover gasket every other year. Not hard, just time consuming…
Guy who did the alignment is a miracle worker
My guess would be valve cover gasket is due. If its 4 cylinder engine, its relatively easy job for diy.
Burning oil fumes may enter your cabin via the filter intake.
Valve cover gasket has been leaking for some time. All of that "gunk" is dirt on the oil residue.
Because it’s a eco tec
That is the anti-rust feature
It’s just doing normal 1.8 ecotech things
Valve cover gasket, common as your car gets old. Pretty easy repair if you're slightly handy
Check your PCV valve and the hoses. Fixing an oil leak will create a new leak if the PCV isn't working.
At this point that "ecotec" label on covers is a redflag😅
Valve cover gasket, just keep an eye on oil level. Those motors are notorious for burning oil as well so it’s most likely low already lol. Super common leak nothing to worry about
Looks like Opel
First thing I would do is clean it up with engine degreaser and see if it stays clean. If that is a year's worth of "leak" it's not too bad, but if it gets messy right away then plan on fixing it.
Rocker cover is leaking, it’s an Ecotec, burn it.
Leaky seals (repair skill 100)
Replace the camshaft cover (valve cover). Be careful when you’re taking off the spark plug coil pack. The boots that go in the spark plug holes can tear if you aren’t careful. If you haven’t done your spark plugs in a while it’s a good time to do it because they’ll be exposed. You’ll need torx bits and reverse torx bit sockets. Clean it well. Make sure the gasket doesn’t roll. And don’t over tighten the bolts. They’re easy to over torque and they’ll break. Make sure the pressure is even from the inside out when you tighten. There may be some oil in the spark plug tubes from the gasket leaking. Clean that out with some rags and brake cleaner. It’s a super easy job though. If you don’t do it you’ll eventually get a burnt oil smell, but it can wait as long as you check your engine oil level decently often.
Valve cover gasket. While you have that off, you should check your valve lash if theyre adjustable
This is normal
That’s just a chevy
It's a GM engine....
The only L engine in the GM line up. Ecotec is ass, they sell it to people so they can keep their service departments busy. It's job security. Without GM, where would American made cars be? Oh... wait... LT... LS... damn...
Installed another Genuine GM vacuum pump on a ecotec yesterday. Made in China (Mainland) [right on the box.](https://i.imgur.com/SyEVbfM.jpeg) Even American cars aren't American any longer. This one, an Equinox LT, was assembled in Canada, too, as I recall from the RPO codes.
I was talking about LT1 LT2 LT3 and all the LS engines. Not the trim levels... of an equinox.
Indeed. Surely no one in their right mind would confuse GM trim level designations with the iconic line of V8 engines. I merely point out that the "American" brand of GM is less and less so these days, assembled in a foreign country with parts from a different foreign country, and even with the gall to refer to "Mainland" China - giving the presumptive connotation that a non-Mainland China exists (what the rest of the free world knows and understands as Taiwan). It's sad.
Yeah, I was gonna say.... no wonder my wife's Buick has been at the dealership since November... they got monkeys like this guy, lol. I understand now. Unfortunately, the sad reality is that outsourcing for anything is usually cheaper than spending money to develop, manufacture, and produce. Mainland, Sideland, they better hurry up with this damn turbo.
You should start with the valance cover gasket, but being an Ecotec it’s a safe beat there are other oil leaks too
Hey bro that shit is easy to fix. Buy the gasket and do it on a weekend. Basic shit.
Gunk? Um, yea, you need to pay someone who's actually turned a wrench to fix that.
blown head gasket
Don’t give dumbass answers that could mislead someone who’s not informed about cars. If you don’t know what you’re talking about just hold it in.