Ideas on Oil Leak #2?

[gsholz]

I had the usual lower valve cover drip on the heat exchanger. I replaced the left lower valve cover gasket and was surprised at how much oil came out when I removed the cover. About 3 quarts. Car was level. Is that normal? I had done an oil change just the day before. Did I not let it run long enough to evacuate the oil from the crankcase?

Anyway, it looks like I have fixed that leak. I replaced the lost oil since I just changed the oil. Now I notice oil right at the crankcase seam. Seems to come from above between cylinder 2 and 3. It is honey colored just like out of the bottle. I did not spill any oil. Did I overfill?

Does the oil filler tube connect to the crank case or the sump? Could I have a leaky filler hose?

Thanks, Gerald

[bazar01]

Gerald, valve cover replacement is done after draining the old oil from the crank case and oil tank.
It is normal for oil to drain out of an open lower valve cover when the crankcase has oil. So next time, do not fill until you have replaced the valve cover gaskets

The second oil leak could be from the oil breather hose and oil pressure sensor that are located on top of the engine. You will need a partial engine drop and air filter housing removed for easy access.

Good luck.

[Vandit]

I've never done it before, but i've heard that if you jack up the side of the car decently high, you can remove that same side's valve cover w/ minimal oil loss.

[Traveller]

Originally Posted by Vandit

I've never done it before, but i've heard that if you jack up the side of the car decently high, you can remove that same side's valve cover w/ minimal oil loss.

In fact, no oil loss and the tire on that side was jacked up maybe 5 or 6 inches.

[Traveller]

Originally Posted by bazar01

You will need a partial engine drop and air filter housing removed for easy access.

At least on a non-Varioram 1995, everything above the engine cooling shroud can easily be removed without having to mess with the engine mounts.

I was replacing my ignition wires and had everything off for cleaning and inspection; found some wiring clamps where the rubber on them had crumbled away.

Obviously he won't have to remove anywhere as much to get to the oil pressure switch if that is the issue.

[gsholz]

Ahh, so the cup of oil that some of the videos talk about when removing the lower valve cover is after one drains the oil from the crank case. Makes sense. I should have done it while I changed the oil.

I'll track down the second leak but I think I have overfilled. I was watching the oil level gauge but should have gone by the dip stick. Can I suck out some oil through the oil filler opening?

[Newsboy]

You can try with a turkey baster, or a siphon tube.

[Traveller]

Originally Posted by gsholz

Ahh, so the cup of oil that some of the videos talk about when removing the lower valve cover is after one drains the oil from the crank case. Makes sense. I should have done it while I changed the oil.

Maybe while performing that when the car is level, but I changed my oil prior to winter storage and then performed the valve cover seal replacement a few months later.

No oil (other than a few table spoons at most) dripped out. That with the car lifted at either the left or right rear jack point.

Originally Posted by gsholz

I was watching the oil level gauge but should have gone by the dip stick.

During initial filling? I only use the gauge as a level indication while underway. You have to be at operating temperature, on level ground and idling for at least 20 seconds (at a red light for example) to take a reading.

Also confirm your gauge indication with your dipstick. My max on the dipstick gives me a full indication on my gauge; same at the half way mark.

Just slowly pour in 8 to 9 liters, start the car on a level surface, let it warm up and top up to the mid point on the dipstick.