7 replies to this topic

[jamesquintin]

Hi all,

Is it possible for the cylinder head gasket to leak oil? The whole front of the engine is pretty much covered with a thin layer of oil/muck (even above the spark plugs). I've tried changing the rocker cover gasket, but that's not helped.

It's an '98 MPI if that makes any difference?

Cheers

JQ
 

 

[CityEPete]

Yep, there are water passages, oil ways and the actual combustion Chambers all of which can leak to each other (in any combination), themselves our out to the atmosphere as you describe, the symptoms of which can then vary wildly.

[henri1972]

the best thing to do is have the engine cleaned run the car to see where the leak is

[Gremlin]

If it's around the spark plugs it will probably be the rocker cover gasket, were the surfaces surgically clean when you put the new gasket on?

[Yoda]

I second Gremlin on this one. A lot of care is needed when fitting the rocker gasket. I usually smear a very thin film of Gasket sealant around one side of the gasket and then stick it to the "spotlessly clean and dry rocker cover. Once set, then apply a thin film of grease to the open side of the gasket before fitting the rocker cover carefully back on the head. But before doing this, make sure the cover is not distorted, and always use a new gasket. The grease will allow the cover and gasket to be removed and refitted in an emergency, but in most cases a new gasket is required due to already being crushed once.

[jamesquintin]

I gave the block/head a good clean-up with 'Gunk' (Amazing stuff!) and let the engine run to help evaporate the water.

 

Had a good look about whilst it was running and found the culprit! It's the oil pressure gauge T-piece. Looks like its either the pipe going into the nut, or the nut/t-piece joint. Will pop to minispares and replace it tomorrow (its been on there 10 years)
 

[maccers]

I found using a new cork gasket still made oil seep out so used a silicone one, used silicone sealer to bond it to the rocker cover side, works fine, no more oil leak.

[CityEPete]

I just want to point out I am not usually a "head gasket has gone" for every problem like some people on TMF, I was just answering the original question, yes it is possible!