Oil leak again...sort of

[vertebrate]

Okay, so this is kind of baffling me. I had thought that my car was still leaking after doing LIM gasket, valve covers, and oil pan, then it stopped after I gave it a cleaning. I've had the front end of the car lifted up twice since then, and the same problem has occurred. I get some small oil puddles on the ground after it sits for the night. Some more then next night, then by like the third night it's gone.

If the car remains flat it doesn't seem to have any leaking issues. It's only for a few days after having the front end jacked up that it leaks. Is this something not worth worrying about, or is it possibly a sign of something that's getting close to needing replacing?

 

[SJAndrew]

My guess is valve covers.

When you replaced the VC gaskets did you also replace the grommets? The gasket WILL NOT seal with old grommets. These rubber grommets are actually springs that hold the VC gasket in place and seal it. The VC bolts do not provide this pressure (directly), the grommets do.

 

[vertebrate]

Yes, all of the grommets were replaced with the pretty powder blue ones in the felpro kit. The gasket does not look to be hanging out anywhere, and looks to be sealed properly.

 

[Scottydoggs]

you need to de grease your engine and trans, the rear valve cover leaks on to the trans, and oil will drip down both sides of the trans pan.

 

[BillBoost37]

Where is the leak coming from? If the car is jacked up.. please..look under it.

If you see it looking like it's on the pan, then it's either the pan or the rear engine cover. Which is often misdiagnosed as a oil pan gasket. The thing with the rear cover is..you have to pull either the engine or trans, therefore you smile and let it leak it's 2-3 drops a night.