What happens if valve cover gasket is leaking?
Engine is running rough and causing misfires Sometimes when oil leaks from a valve cover gasket it leaks all the way down to the spark plug galley and eventually seeps inside the spark plug tubes. This will cause a misfire or reduce engine performance. It can also cause a fire under your hood if it goes unrepaired.
What does it mean when your valve cover is leaking?
Take the warning seriously and fix the leak before it is too late. Dirty Valve Cover – When you go to give your vehicle an oil change, pay attention to the condition of the valve cover. If it is dirty, then it means oil is leaking out of the valve cover gasket. Replace the gasket first and then change the oil.
Is it safe to drive a car with a leaking valve cover?
Yes, you can drive a car with a valve cover leaks in as much as the amount of oil leaks from the valve cover gasket is small, and the oil is not dripping on hot engine parts like the exhaust manifold or pipes. If this is the case, it is relatively safe to drive your car until you have a chance to visit a mechanic garage or fix it yourself.
What to do if your valve cover is cracked?
If the valve cover is cracked or broken, get a replacement valve from the dealer, a junkyard, or even try eBay. If you find evidence of a leak, the best solution is to use BlueDevil Oil Stop Leak. Adding 8oz. of BlueDevil oil stop leak to your engine oil is guaranteed to permanently seal any oil leaks in your vehicle’s engine.
When does a valve cover gasket need to be replaced?
When the valve cover gasket shrinks over time due to the engine’s high temperature, the gasket will lose it’s value and leak, commonly causing oil leak issues, reduced engine performance, or drivability issues. If not fixed on time, a valve cover gasket leak can cause severe engine breakdown. Q: When should a valve cover gasket be replaced?