Oil residue on valve covers (pics)

[Ssiptang]

Is this normal or should it be completely dry at this point @ 9k miles on engine?

Valve covers have never been off.

Driver side:

photo2 by DannyDoo, on Flickr

Pass side:

photo3 by DannyDoo, on Flickr

photo by DannyDoo, on Flickr

Is that rubber grommet supposed to stick out like that?
There is no sign of dripping, just wet around that area.
Thanks for your input.

 

[skwerl]

That would not be acceptable for me. If you had 109,000 miles perhaps, but being a brand new car with only one oil change so far I'd be bringing it back to the dealer and asking to get it fixed.

 

[UltraKla$$ic]

That "rubber grommet" is RTV placed at the factory to keep the valve cover, head, and front cover sealed from leaking at that site. If you ever remove the valve covers, you'd have to put a bead of RTV just like what you see.

 

[Ssiptang]

That "rubber grommet" is RTV placed at the factory to keep the valve cover, head, and front cover sealed from leaking at that site. If you ever remove the valve covers, you'd have to put a bead of RTV just like what you see.

So it is supposed to be sticking out like that right? Looks like it is leaking from that spot..
I isn't too bad though. It isn't dripping below or anything.

I just cleaned the area and if it leaks again, I'd definitely take it back to dealer or maybe do it myself.

 

[07calspecial]

Definetely not acceptable in my opinion. My 07 with almost 58,000 is dry and clean.

 

[Ssiptang]

Definetely not acceptable in my opinion. My 07 with almost 58,000 is dry and clean.

I highly doubt it but any chance aftermarket parts could cause that?
I have full exhaust and CAI + tune. Never touched valve cover.
I just want to know what I'm talking about before taking it to dealship.

 

[BruceH]

Some would see it as a sign to put aftermarket cams in. At least I would...

 

[OneQwkStang]

Some would see it as a sign to put aftermarket cams in. At least I would...

LMAO, valve cover leaks put cams in ...thats funny.

 

[01yellerCobra]

Some would see it as a sign to put aftermarket cams in. At least I would...

I'd have to agree. The valve covers are already off.

 

[GrnBullitt08]

From what I see in the photos that's not right. Removed them and check the rubber gaskets on the valve covers, could be defective or just worn somehow. If not then just grab some gasket sealant and reseal everything.

+1 on the cams

 

[b00stedgt]

Bring it to the dealer

 

[TheKurgan]

LOL I agree. A set of cams should fix that right up.

 

[california gt]

I highly doubt it but any chance aftermarket parts could cause that?
I have full exhaust and CAI + tune. Never touched valve cover.
I just want to know what I'm talking about before taking it to dealship.

i see a voided warrenty in the works.. lol

 

[psavaria]

If it's under warranty, and they've never been off before... Take it to the dealer.

 

[Ssiptang]

i see a voided warrenty in the works.. lol

I was thinking about this too.
Not too worried though, seems like an easy fix.
Hotrod cams + powder coated valve cover sounds like a good winter project.

 

[Ssiptang]

Any sealant I can use for temporary/quick fix without opening it up?


photo by DannyDoo, on Flickr

 

[BAKnBLK2010]

Any sealant I can use for temporary/quick fix without opening it up?


photo by DannyDoo, on Flickr

You will never be able to stop that type of leak from the outside.

 

[Ssiptang]

Ahh ok. lol
Thank you all for the inputs.

 

[one eyed willy]

Is this normal

usually.....if you see any fluid that belongs on the inside of the motor, on the outside.....thats not normal,lol.....


very strange how both side are leaking on a new motor......you SURE you have not tried to pull them off before, or someone else tried?

do you still have the stock pcv set up for venting the crank case to the intake?


if it were me, id pop them off, wipe them down and put some more RTV on the section where the timing cover meets the heads......20-30 min job, alot quicker than taking it to the dealer.

 

[UltraKla$$ic]

if it were me, id pop them off, wipe them down and put some more RTV on the section where the timing cover meets the heads......20-30 min job, alot quicker than taking it to the dealer.

^^^This, plus it keeps belt buckle scratches from the redneck working on your car off your fenders. LOL