Is Valve Cover Oil Leak Serious?
2 Answers
The valve cover oil leak is serious as the sealing components shrink, harden, and lose elasticity, with severe cases even leading to fractures. It is recommended to inspect the cause of the oil leak and proceed with repairs. The primary function of the valve cover gasket is to seal and prevent oil leakage. Most sealing gaskets are made of rubber, which can age and harden over prolonged vehicle use, resulting in oil leaks. The main causes of valve cover oil leaks include: uneven screw pressure during assembly, deformation of the valve cover, aging of the valve cover gasket, blockage of the crankcase forced ventilation valve, and poor-quality sealing rings or sealant. Since the valve cover is located at the top of the engine, oil leaking from the valve cover gasket will flow down along the cylinder head. Due to the high operating temperature of the engine, the oil adhering to the engine surface will gradually evaporate, producing pungent fumes.
Last time I drove my old car, I also encountered the problem of valve cover oil leakage. At first, I thought it was no big deal, just seeing a pool of oil stains under the hood after parking, with a slight burnt smell. But after dragging it for a few weeks, the engine oil ran out, the engine temperature soared, and it almost burned out. It cost me thousands of dollars for a major repair to fix it. So this issue is really serious. Oil leakage isn't just about wasting some money on changing the oil; it can easily cause friction damage to other components and shorten the engine's lifespan. If it seeps into the spark plugs or something, it might even cause ignition failure or even a fire risk. I suggest getting it checked at the shop as soon as you notice it. Don't be penny-wise and pound-foolish like me. It's best to take a quick look at the oil dipstick before daily driving to ensure it doesn't go below the line.
