I have this leak from the passenger side of the engine. I'm not sure where it's coming from but the plugs are wet and it's dripping on the manifold. I'm hoping it's something simple but I do know that the 6 cyl. are prone to have a head gasket failure.

What are the odds of our gaskets failing?

Also I see now coolant in the oil or loss of power of any kind. Just oil loss.

 

I bet its the valve cover gasket, I think all it will do is leak oil, but just be careful that the oil doesn't damage the plugs and wires, I don't know if or how it will fail but i drove for quite a bit with my valve cover gaskets leaking, twice and had no problems

 

Valve cover gaskets.

Is it actively dripping, or just dirty/oily? If it is noticeably dripping, you'll need to replace them. If it's just wet, and the oil level doesn't drop quickly, you're probably ok. First, determine if it's the breather (on top of the valve cover) or the valve cover itself. See if the bolts on the valve cover are loose, and if so, tighten them (but not too tight). If that doesn't help, you can replace the gaskets.

 

That reminds me I need to tighten mine.... Saintz can you post a link with the correct socket to tighten the valve cover gasket.. Mine are showing a little sign of a leak but I'm pretty sure they are just loose, worse case I'll just replace.

Gasket available on autohaus folks

 

AZautohaus is a lifesaver , they have everything you need. Most likely valve cover gaskets, its not too major of a job. Be happy its not your head gaskets.

 

Looked at it yesterday, it is the valve cover. There are little oil puddles right next to the gaskets. Gonna order a new set and install, but first going to wash everything down, tighten and see what happens.

Thank God it's not the head gasket!!!

 

The bolts work loose easily, probably a combination of not torqued enough from the factory and the gasket shrinking over time.

In theory you should use a reverse torx bit (star shaped socket). However, a standard 6 point socket will work since it doesn't take a lot of torque and you shouldn't strip the bolt. It's something like 10, 12, or 13 mm. Basically, any metric socket set will work. You want to torque it gently (probably in the 15-20 lbs-ft range) so you don't damage the bolt or the engine head. Just go for snug.

 

thanks for these information

 

Bolts were loose, got them nice and snug. Need a torque wrench to get it right. I couldn't get to the lower bolts near the rear of the engine because it was hot.

What is the sequence to tighten the bolts and the exact lbs/ft?

 

sequence should not be too crucial as long as you do it in a cris-cross pattern, this way you will apply an equal amount of torque to the whole surface.

someone with the WIS should look up the torque spec for you.

 

Yes please, I'll need that, I'm ordering the gaskets today so I'll be changing them soon.