What Causes Oil Leakage from the Valve Cover?
2 Answers
Oil leakage from the valve cover can be attributed to factors such as the quality of components, aging of oil seals and gaskets, loosening of screws, and external impacts. Below are additional reasons: 1. It may be due to the material quality itself, where inferior components lead to damage, resulting in oil leakage from the valve cover. Generally, the mechanical parts of the valve chamber are not prone to damage, but the components are more likely to fail. 2. High summer temperatures could also be a cause. Prolonged operation of the engine in high-temperature environments can accelerate the aging of oil seals and gaskets, compromising the seal of the valve cover and leading to oil leakage. 3. Since the valve cover is secured by screws, prolonged use of the vehicle can cause the screws to loosen, with some even slipping, thereby causing oil leakage from the valve cover. 4. External impacts on the engine might also be a reason. Severe collisions can alter the internal structure of the engine, resulting in oil leakage from the valve cover.
I've encountered the issue of valve cover oil leakage, which is quite a headache. The main reason is the aging of the rubber gasket. This component hardens and cracks after three to five years of use under high temperatures, just like my eight-year-old car that started leaking oil. Additionally, I've noticed that if the screws weren't tightened evenly during the last repair or if the cylinder head is warped and uneven, oil can seep out through the gaps. It's even more troublesome if the crankcase ventilation valve gets clogged, as the internal pressure in the engine forces oil out. The biggest concern with oil leaks is the risk of oil dripping onto the exhaust pipe and causing a fire. That's why I always clean the engine bay and check the gasket condition during every maintenance check.
