Thread: oil leaking externally from both head gaskets

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  1. #1 oil leaking externally from both head gaskets 
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    Is this possible, Oil leaking externally from head gaskets? I replaced the upper and lower intake manifold gaskets successfully last winter and havnt had any leaks internally or externally on the intake gaskets. These leaks have been happening for some time, I have oil that runs down the back end of the heads along the gasket, down the block and coating the oil pan and transmission pan. Both heads are leaking in the same spot (back ends along gasket) and running down to the oil pan. The valve cover gaskets look dry all around the edges. I just find it hard to believe both head gaskets would be leaking in the same spot externally with only 125k miles. my oil is staying nice and clean, as well as the coolant. They are not mixing. Has anyone had problems with the heads leaking oil externally on these? I don't really want to pull the heads for oil leaking out of them, but its annoying having an engine and bottom of car coated with oil.
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  2. #2 Re: oil leaking externally from both head gaskets 
    Killa Bee Scottydoggs's Avatar
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    sounds like valve cover gaskets, with a clean rag wipe under the lip of the cover, if its wet its leaking.

    98 Buick Regal GS, F body brakes, Caddy STS wheels, tinted tails L36 bottom end, lightly ported heads, 1.95 roller rockers, headers, gen 5 N* 3.0 pulley, FSIC, 42 lb injectors, a BrandonHall rebuilt trans, DHP tuned and AEM water/Meth injection https://goo.gl/gpV5kW
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  3. #3 Re: oil leaking externally from both head gaskets 
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    You can see the valve cover is dry around the top edge and corner down to where the lower intake manifold meets the block, it just has some dirt and debris there, and the 2nd pic you can see its wet with oil along the line of the head gasket, that runs down the block and even the transmission to the bottom of the pans. The head looks the same way on the other side of the engine as well.
    oil leaking externally from both head gaskets Attached Images
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  4. #4 Re: oil leaking externally from both head gaskets 
    Killa Bee Scottydoggs's Avatar
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    cant tell a thing from those pics.

    de grease the engine, watch for leaks.

    98 Buick Regal GS, F body brakes, Caddy STS wheels, tinted tails L36 bottom end, lightly ported heads, 1.95 roller rockers, headers, gen 5 N* 3.0 pulley, FSIC, 42 lb injectors, a BrandonHall rebuilt trans, DHP tuned and AEM water/Meth injection https://goo.gl/gpV5kW
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  5. #5 Re: oil leaking externally from both head gaskets 
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    sorry for the crappy pictures, I was trying to show how dry it is on top of the head around the valve cover, and how it is wet with oil around the gasket of the head. I sprayed it down and cleaned it, and will look for the leaks tomorrow after driving it. But im 98% sure its leaking from the corners of the head gaskets, which is hard to believe on both heads with only 125k miles. It would make more sense if it was coolant rather than oil that could be leaking from the head, but this is oil. Either way I will replace the valve covers if I cant find the leak before pulling the heads. Just wondered if anyone has heard of this problem before
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  6. #6 Re: oil leaking externally from both head gaskets 
    Turbo is the way to go. BillBoost37's Avatar
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    On the pic in the area of the bell housing. Look up by the bottom of the throttle body. Looks more like you have a leak from the end cap or TB.

    Head gaskets don't really leak oil as there's no oil under pressure around a head gasket.
    I drink..so consider that when reading my posts.

    2010 Audi A6 Dual IC's
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