oil leak valve covers

[RX7_fanatic]

so i stopped to fill up my car today and noticed white smoke coming from my engine, which automatically brings a frown to my face.

upon closer inspection i notice a small but still noticable oil leak on the drivers side valve cover, nearer to the firewall...and it was dripping on the header runner closest to the firewall as well. I'll try to get a picture up later today or tommorow...but its nothing to marvel over...its the corner closest to the fender...

is this common on q's?

oh 1994 q45t with 77k on the clock that should help lol...dont think those gaskets have ever been changed...maybe its time for a lil engine overhaul...engine seems to run smooth and VERY strong...suprises me every time i get in...and im used to my 1993 rx7, which leaks and eats oil from every possible place it can think of, but its one fast !@#$ing sports car.

piston engines are a little new to me...and i dont know if this is really bad or not.

[redmanfx]

The 94 uses gaskets and it's fairly common for them to start leaking over time. Might as well change your spark plugs when you reseal your valve covers.

[RX7_fanatic]

cool, anyone know the ngk part number for teh plugs?

[3Q Jay]

hey, you're just around the block from me. welcome.did you just buy your car? don't remember any low mi 94's on autotrader lately.Double platinums are PFR-5G11sdouble iridiums are IFR-5E11s. i don't recommend the IX.

did you get fsm,tsb's, and IoS phone number?

[RX7_fanatic]

my bad about saying 1994, i thought it was...actually my parents have owned the car for many years now, its only got 77k on it, it came with a '96 owners manual, but it says 95 on the sticker on the door jam...do i need a vin to figure out if i have a "95 model" cuz i hope i has VVT ^_^ sure does feel like it tho, kicks pretty hard at 4k rpms

you got any pictures of your Q's JAY? Heh i might come visit you, you seem pretty knowledgeable

mine is nothing special, actually pretty neglected on the outside cuz of hard water sprinklers >_< but it runs very well, completely stock.

[qship96]

try white vinager on a rag to remove the hard water stains on paint,followed by a good soap/water rinse.

[3Q Jay]

easy to check the VIN. llok at the last 8:RM2xxxxx=94SM3xxxxx=95TMxxxxxx=96

also, if you have no VVT (96) there will be cap plugs on the inboard holes of the plastic trim over the chain area on each head. if you do have VVT, there will be a solenoid with electrical harness there.

few pictures in member's rides...hit me an e-mail if you want to meet up.

[Chubs]

Is there any reason you couldn't use 94-96 valve covers with rubber gaskets on a 90 G50?

[3Q Jay]

yes. the heads are physically different.

[tkd_q45]

Before you go through the trouble of replacing the valve cover gaskets, try Auto Rx.

http://www.auto-rx.com/index.html

Wife's 96 was leaking - you could really smell the burning oil and could see white smoke when I lifted the hood. The Auto Rx has successfully swelled the gasket enough to stop the leak.

Found out about this product from an auto/engine oil forum.

[Q45tech]

Unfortunately swelling additives also circulate thru the engine.........things you don't want to swell may swell [HLA seals............even viton stem seals may react adversely]..................fixing one problem at the expense of creating more expensive problems may not be cost effective.

[Jim Ayres]

My '97 with 136k is leaking also. I'll be having the gaskets replaced next month, along with the spark plugs.

[xerexabante]

don't use addetives on leaks for your valve cover gasket leaks, or any leaks for that matter. you will regret it. it's only good if you want to get rid of the car ie. quick fix doesn't work.

[elwesso]

The covers arent hard to reseal, just time consuming.... See if you can weasel jay into helping you!!