Valve cover gasket leak...common?

[czwan]

Wondered if this was a common issue among MX-3's. I ignored mine for quite a while, since when I'd check the oil, it usually wasn't low. Finally got it fixed. I asked the shop if I'd see any significant improvement in performance, & they said no--it was mainly to stop the leaking oil, and that leaked oil on the engine could possibly be a fire hazard, etc.

I was surprised that there's no noticeable change in driving. I don't really know anything about cars, but it seems like getting something like this fixed would result in some sort of improvement. I guess at least there won't be embarrassing drops of oil left on other peoples' driveways, lol.

[OkieOFT]

You must not be very car smart if you think repairing a valve cover gasket is going to improve performance. It's a gasket...It's only function is to hold oil in.

[czwan]

I'm definitely not car smart, at all (that's why I'm glad for sites like this). I just figured that if the situation went from - liquid being able to ooze out - to it not being able to and be contained, that maybe the pressurization or something would have some sort of effect.

[mitmaks]

Pretty common on old cars

[Ryan]

Definitely not a performance modification. Just will make your car stop smelling like burning oil.

[Thassodar]

Wondered if this was a common issue among MX-3's. I ignored mine for quite a while, since when I'd check the oil, it usually wasn't low. Finally got it fixed. I asked the shop if I'd see any significant improvement in performance, & they said no--it was mainly to stop the leaking oil, and that leaked oil on the engine could possibly be a fire hazard, etc.

I was surprised that there's no noticeable change in driving. I don't really know anything about cars, but it seems like getting something like this fixed would result in some sort of improvement. I guess at least there won't be embarrassing drops of oil left on other peoples' driveways, lol.

Pretty common, I'be had to replace my gasket twice. No difference except that after I Engine Brite'd the mess out of it it stayed shiny longer

[sneechsandwich]

It's definitely common. Replaced one in my '95, then in my '94. Not hard though, coming from someone who just tries to fix sh** without really knowing how. And you're right, no difference in performance.

[czwan]

Thanks guys.

[clarkandrew45]

You must not be very car smart if you think repairing a valve cover gasket set is going to improve performance. It's a gasket...It's only function is to hold oil in.

I have the same problem about my valve gasket, and I must admit I don't have enough knowledge about car or car parts, so thank you for this advice. At least now I know that this is not really a big problem for me. Thanks.