oil leak

[anton]

I've had my '94 Q45 for almost a month now and I'm enjoying it . A couple of things concern me, however;1/ It's developed an oil leak from (apparently) the left cam cover. It's not noticeable when when driving but overnight it leaks on the exhaust and then in the morning it smokes after about 10 minutes running time until the oil burns off. Is this a common problem? The dealer here in Santa Monica says they've "had a run" on the gaskets and won't have any 'til next week.2/ I did an 800 mile trip 2 weeks ago and I noticed a driveline vibration (slight) at around 2500 rpm in 2nd and 3rd gears.It's definitely engine speed related rather than car speed. Any ideas?3/ The radiator died last week- had it replaced.4/ The right rear window no longer works. At least it failed in the up position.Other than that it's been great. It ran up the hill to Huntington Lake at 85+ with the air on in 100 deg. ambient and the temp only went up slightly from normal. I haven't had it over 115 mph yet but it sure gets there fast when passing on the open road!I just got the new Tokico "Blues" installed on the rear and that cured the floaty sensation it had so I'm a happy camper.Best regards,Anton

[911/Q45]

Your window failure is almost certainly a regulator, much cheaper than a motor and not too tough to replace. There's enough friction that if they fail in the down position you can pull them up and they'll stay there.

[landtodd]

Sounds like you have some very typical problems. I want to add a word of caution about one.

Dennis, master of all things Q45, says that the interior temperature gauge is very non-linear, i.e. it takes a relatively large and sustained increase in temperature to move the needle much. If the needle ever goes above the 3 o'clock position, you could be in trouble.

What coolant mix are you using?

[PalmerWMD]

My humble recommendation for coolant mix in a Q:

-70% of distilled (or deionized) water

-3.5 % redline wetter water (available at pepeboys+autozone) =1 bottle

-rest antifreeze.

Volume of Q's cooling system 10 7/8's including expansion tank.

This mix can be safely run year round in hot and mild climates, in the upper midwest and points north, one can switch to 50% antifreeze during winter (only!).

Fred...

[landtodd]

Yes, Fred. You guys have won me over about the distilled water. As soon as my plenum goes back on. Got a mallet? j/k

[DAEDALUS]

Valve cover leaks are common, moreso in 1st gen Qs. Can anyone confirm that 94s use solid gaskets??? I thought they used regular RTV, same as 90-93 models. Just to be sure, have you tried the window using both switches? My window won't work using the console switch, but works using the door switch. Just a thought.

[wamQ45]

The manufacture date on my 94Q is 3/93 and I had the same leak or at least I did. The seal is solid rubber here are some pictures of the valve cover, gasket and top side of the heads.

[wamQ45]

gasket

[wamQ45]

gasket close-up

[wamQ45]

head #1

[wamQ45]

head #2

[wamQ45]

head #4

[wamQ45]

Head #5

[wamQ45]

head #6

[wamQ45]

head #7

[wamQ45]

head #8

[Jberger]

Oohhh, Great Photos!I wish we could create a "naked engine" area to post them all into.

But you know the only problem with posting those photo's in now Dennis will comment on your oil change habits

[maxnix]

Naahhh. Most of us can blame the varnish on previous owners!

[wamQ45]

Yea...It was the previous owner...I bought the car with 124K on it...

[anton]

Geez- I hope those pics don't mean the plenum has to come off to fix the oil leak!

Anton, your local friendly Fiat 8V specialist

[wamQ45]

No I don't think the plenum needs to come off, I am doing the plenum hoses, O2 sensors, valve cover seals and having the injectors cleaned all at the same time. Oh I forgot, the radiator cap.