SPONSORED LINKS

How can I tell if my oil leak is from valve or head gasket?

Tiny
AZROTH
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 SUBARU OUTBACK
  • 190,000 MILES
My oil leak is very slight & looks to be only oil.
Which makes me beleive its more likely a valve cover leak.
If it was a head gasket. Wouldnt I see more clues like overheating or rough start or running. Engine starts and runs like new other than a low idol when cold.
SPONSORED LINKS
Thursday, November 17th, 2011 AT 6:00 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
FIXITMR
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,990 POSTS
If you clean off area of suspicion and then run engine you should be able to determine which it is.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, November 17th, 2011 AT 7:09 PM
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,757 POSTS
Head gaskets rarely leak externally. The valve cover is more likely but you need to visually follow the leak to it's source.
SPONSORED LINKS
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, November 17th, 2011 AT 10:46 PM
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
How do you know its leaking oil and if it does where is your suspected area, give me a picture where so we can help you out
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, November 17th, 2011 AT 11:16 PM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Related Cylinder Head Gasket Leak Content

VIEW MORE

Sponsored links