24/7 mobile service · Riverside
Smell burning oil? A leaking valve cover gasket is a common culprit.
Old valve cover gaskets harden and leak oil onto hot exhaust parts or into the spark plug wells. We replace the gaskets and tube seals and clean up the mess at your location.
Sounds like this?
Signs it's time to call
- Burning oil smell after driving
- Oil on the outside of the engine or dripping on the exhaust
- Light smoke from under the hood at idle
- Misfire with oil found in the spark plug wells
- Oil level dropping between changes
What we measure
Leak source- We clean and trace the leak, since oil runs downhill and hides the real source
Plug tube seals- Leaking seals let oil pool around the spark plugs and coils
PCV system- A clogged PCV valve raises crankcase pressure and pushes oil past gaskets
Bolt torque- Covers are tightened to spec, in sequence, to avoid new leaks
From our jobs
The visit
What happens when we arrive
- Trace the leak to its source
- Remove the coils and the valve cover
- Clean the sealing surfaces and install new gaskets and tube seals
- Torque the cover to spec and reinstall the coils
- Run the engine and check for leaks
When it's a shop job
On some V6 engines the rear valve cover sits under the intake manifold, which makes it a longer job. Leaks from the rear main seal or oil pan usually need the car on a lift.
Questions people ask
Is a valve cover leak dangerous?
Oil dripping on a hot exhaust manifold can smoke and, in rare cases, catch fire. It's worth fixing before it gets worse.
Why would an oil leak cause a misfire?
Oil in the spark plug wells can damage the coil boots and cause a misfire. We replace the tube seals and check the coils.
How long does it take?
Often one to three hours. Longer if the intake has to come off.