Oil Leak on cylinder head???

[flyeyes]

I was under my car working on some things and noticed an oil leak. It isn't dripping consistently, but I noticed a fresh droplet. The pic is of the head facing the rear of the car. It appears that there is a bolt/plug type item with an Alan key style head. I've never seen these on a regular motor, so I don't know what it is. If some one could educate me, I would greatly appreciate it.

I am considering having some one who is more mechanically inclined come by and take a look, for a second opinion on the source of the leak.

Any insight would be great. Thanks in advance guys!!!

 

[davidf]

Make sure it's not running down from a leaky spool valve. They have a tendency to leak. If that is the right side of the head then ignore my post. Spool valves on the left.

 

[Big_D]

I had the same leak on my car and if I remember correctly my tech removed and resealed the plug. I believe there are 2 on each head.

 

[Honcho]

My 91 had the same leak. It was a spool valve, which you can see in your pic. It's the thing the light green plug is hooked into. The oil was running down and collecting right where yours is. LarryB first noticed it. Fairly easy DIY fix.

 

[flyeyes]

So is it the plug that I have circled in red? If so, how should I go about fixing this leak? Is it as easy as tightening the plug?

 

[Larry Bastanza]

This is a pretty common leak area. It can be three things:

1. Valve Cover Gasket
1a. Spool Valve Seal
2. Cam Plug

The sequence above is based on frequency I have seen.

The VC Gasket and Spool valve are a toss up. The cam plugs are less likely, unless it is an over 100K engine. All rubber starts to dry and harden sooner or later.

Clean it all up with brakekleen or the cleaner of your liking, then watch it for a while. If the valve cover gasletsa have been done, then the spool valve seal is highly suspect as Honcho mentions.

Big_D,

I hear you, but I have just never seen that plug leak, it sure looks like it is though. Did you have other seals done when this repair was performed?

Regards,
LarryB

 

[docjohn]

This is a pretty common leak area. It can be three things:

1. Valve Cover Gasket
1a. Spool Valve Seal
2. Cam Plug

The sequence above is based on frequency I have seen.

The VC Gasket and Spool valve are a toss up. The cam plugs are less likely, unless it is an over 100K engine. All rubber starts to dry and harden sooner or later.

Clean it all up with brakekleen or the cleaner of your liking, then watch it for a while. If the valve cover gasletsa have been done, then the spool valve seal is highly suspect as Honcho mentions.

Big_D,

I hear you, but I have just never seen that plug leak, it sure looks like it is though. Did you have other seals done when this repair was performed?

Regards,
LarryB

Hey Larry wtf is a gasletsa....lol:biggrin:

 

[grybrd]

Hey Larry wtf is a gasletsa....lol:biggrin:

That's what the rub-her thing under the walv cver is called. :biggrin:

 

[docjohn]

That's what the rub-her thing under the walv cver is called. :biggrin:

Lol ,and I thought he was talking about the anal sphincter

 

[Larry Bastanza]

Hey Larry wtf is a gasletsa....lol:biggrin:

wats amattafoyu? No spika de italiano?

 

[tbromley]

This is a Japanese Ferrari - you gotta know how to spika Italliano un poco:biggrin:

 

[Big_D]

Big_D,

I hear you, but I have just never seen that plug leak, it sure looks like it is though. Did you have other seals done when this repair was performed?

Regards,
LarryB

This leak was discovered when I had my headers installed. No other seals were done at that time and my car hasn't leaked a drop ever since.

 

[Larry Bastanza]

This leak was discovered when I had my headers installed. No other seals were done at that time and my car hasn't leaked a drop ever since.

Good to know.

Regards,
LarryB

 

[flyeyes]

This is a pretty common leak area. It can be three things:

1. Valve Cover Gasket
1a. Spool Valve Seal
2. Cam Plug

The sequence above is based on frequency I have seen.

The VC Gasket and Spool valve are a toss up. The cam plugs are less likely, unless it is an over 100K engine. All rubber starts to dry and harden sooner or later.

Clean it all up with brakekleen or the cleaner of your liking, then watch it for a while. If the valve cover gasletsa have been done, then the spool valve seal is highly suspect as Honcho mentions.

Big_D,

I hear you, but I have just never seen that plug leak, it sure looks like it is though. Did you have other seals done when this repair was performed?

Regards,
LarryB

I will do the cleaning, and see what I get from there. Again, many thanks!