I think i have an oil leak, but i am not sure.

snkcld · Post by **snkcld** » July 19th, 2006, 12:55 am

So near my engine, by the spark plugs, there is something that seems to be a symptom of an oil leak, but i am not sure.

here are pictures of what i am talking about:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v194/ ... C06259.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v194/ ... C06258.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v194/ ... C06257.jpg

As you can see, there seems to be some grime located under the spark plugs. Is this a sign of an oil leak? I was told it was, but a minor one. I have driven the car many times, and it seems to be doing well.

And if this is an oil leak, what must i do?

Thank you for the help. If you have AOL instant messenger, please feel free to I.M. me. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

WingleBeast · Post by **WingleBeast** » July 19th, 2006, 1:08 am

just looks like a seeping valve cover gasket

ryanlindenberg · Post by **ryanlindenberg** » July 19th, 2006, 5:28 pm

yea looks like the valve cover gasket...it will probably take you like 30-45 minutes to change it if you do it yourself (which i highly suggest, a mechanic will rip you off). since you have the SOHC engine it will probably even take you less time than that.

mazdamx3sohc · Post by **mazdamx3sohc** » July 19th, 2006, 7:24 pm

hey, it is in fact a valve cover gasket leak you can get a faily inexpensive one at autozone from felpro for about 15 bucks, and one thing, be sure when you change it ::::do not over tighten the bolts down:::: just snug it enough.

snkcld · Post by **snkcld** » July 20th, 2006, 5:50 pm

alright, i bought the fel-pro gasket, and it fits to my valve cover and everything, but when i put it on, and tighten the bolts, it still leaks.

also, the gasket seems a lil too big. is that normal? and am i not supposed to put sealant?

WingleBeast · Post by **WingleBeast** » July 20th, 2006, 6:42 pm

if you put RTV sealant it shoudlent leak... unless its leaking around the distributor

ryanlindenberg · Post by **ryanlindenberg** » July 20th, 2006, 9:47 pm

yea i had to use rtv sealant with the gasket...you don't need too much sealant though. my gasket fit perfect.

mazdamx3sohc · Post by **mazdamx3sohc** » July 20th, 2006, 10:16 pm

yeah its probably your distributor mounting gasket 2 bucks at autozone. i had that same problem. it leaked on the side of the disti and ran over to the timing cover side. hope that helps, go sohc's!

MechaManZero · Post by **MechaManZero** » July 20th, 2006, 10:54 pm

Don't be cheap get a rubber felpro valve cover gasket lol. It is pretty easy to see since oil is dripping right under the cover.

mazdamx3sohc · Post by **mazdamx3sohc** » July 21st, 2006, 6:44 am

he did get a felpro, they arent cheap, gaskets alike just arent expensive.