New Covers v. Gasket

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Oct 13, 2020 | 01:49 PM

#1 (permalink)

Pidgas

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Joined: Mar 2007

Posts: 13

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From: Orlando, FL

New Covers v. Gasket

I have a 2004 Crossfire Roadster that is rarely driven - approx. 24K miles (don't ask) - It now has an oil leak on the top side of the engine just enough to smoke a little and smell - There is no oil on the garage floor. Otherwise this car is mint - new tires, new top (warranty replaced)! In speaking with local mechanics - I get recommendations from replacing the value cover gasket and reseal breathers to totally replacing the covers (as allegedly they warp) - (no one has actually looked at the vehicle). Need some assistance from the forum - located in Sarasota FL and don't want to go to dealer and don't want to spend money unwisely. Thank you.

Oct 13, 2020 | 02:40 PM

#2 (permalink)

ZERACER

Senior Member

Joined: Nov 2006

Posts: 6,639

Likes: 776

From: Orange County CA.

Re: New Covers v. Gasket

Most often the small breather covers. Remove, clean and reseal with black RTV. Do a search on this site in the top R/H corner of the opening page.

Oct 13, 2020 | 04:01 PM

#3 (permalink)

onehundred80

Senior Member

Joined: Apr 2006

Posts: 25,432

Likes: 648

From: Ontario

Re: New Covers v. Gasket

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pidgas

Carefully look for the leak site as there is no point in resealing the breather covers if the valve cover gasket is the culprit.
I doubt the valve cover has warped, how a mechanic can suggest that they get replaced without inspecting them is beyond me, I would never go to this guy again.Clean up any oil you see and keep looking for an oil leak after each drive.
That would make sure that only the real oil leak cause was addressed.

I do not wish to upset any auto mechanics out there but too many of them started as lot boys and then progressed to changing the oil until they somehow got to work on cars full time. Many of them are not one of the bright lights in the sky.

Last edited by onehundred80; Oct 13, 2020 at 05:13 PM.

Oct 13, 2020 | 05:05 PM

#4 (permalink)

dedwards0323

Senior Member

Joined: Nov 2008

Posts: 8,488

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From: Upstate SC

Re: New Covers v. Gasket

When you pinpoint the oil leak on your engine, I would suggest you try tightening the screws that hold the Valve Covers & Crankcase Breather Covers. I have found that these screws loosen up over time, especially the Crankcase Breather Covers. (Note: The small screws holding down the Crankcase Breather Covers are "throw-away" or 1x use screws. Made of Aluminum & will snap off if tightened too much. Re-torqueing could be an issue.) May not totally solve your issue but could buy you some time to get it repaired.

Valve Cover Screws: 10 N-m
Crankcase Breather Covers: 5-6 N-m

Last edited by dedwards0323; Oct 13, 2020 at 05:08 PM.