PROBLEM WITH GASKET
Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 23
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PROBLEM WITH GASKET
In an attempt to become "one" with my 95 neon, I decided try and save a few bucks and replace the spark plugs and gasket. Once upon a time, I was getting oil in my spark plugs and it was advised that I change the plugs and valve cover gasket seal. Upon swapping the plugs, I noticed there was no oil on them--none what so ever! I should have just replaced the plugs and returned the gasket seal. But, I no, I figured I might as well change that too. I did. Afterwards, I went for a drive. At an intersection, I noticed a whole lot of smoke coming from under the hood. I pulled into a gas station and popped the hood. Lots of white smoke.
I know I'm burning oil. I took the car home and checked the bolts. They were loose so I tightened them. One of them snapped because I wasn't paying attention to what I was doing. So now one of the bolts are broken. I tried the car again. Same thing. There is oil leaking from beneath the car. I'm plannig on poppping the valve cover again and making sure the gasket is properly seated. A phone call to the autoparts store revealed the the gasket may have been damage slightly, causing it to leak. Apparently, it doesn't take much.
Any suggestions? And should I be driving my car if this problem persists? I don't wan't a fire or something.
I'm really torn up about that bolt though. The bolt sits loosely enough to where I should be able to lift the valve cover, but that bolt was there for a reason and I went and broke it, which is probably what the problem is.
Can anyone help?
I know I'm burning oil. I took the car home and checked the bolts. They were loose so I tightened them. One of them snapped because I wasn't paying attention to what I was doing. So now one of the bolts are broken. I tried the car again. Same thing. There is oil leaking from beneath the car. I'm plannig on poppping the valve cover again and making sure the gasket is properly seated. A phone call to the autoparts store revealed the the gasket may have been damage slightly, causing it to leak. Apparently, it doesn't take much.
Any suggestions? And should I be driving my car if this problem persists? I don't wan't a fire or something.
I'm really torn up about that bolt though. The bolt sits loosely enough to where I should be able to lift the valve cover, but that bolt was there for a reason and I went and broke it, which is probably what the problem is.
Can anyone help?
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 304
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RE: PROBLEM WITH GASKET
#1 Yes, you should replace the gasket
#2 No, you should not be driving it if it's leaking oil onto the exhaust manifold. Yes, it's a fire hazard.
#3 Yes, you should replace the bolt. If you have a Dremel tool you can grind a small groove into the top of the broken bolt. Then use a flat blade screwdriver to remove it.
#4 If you're going to do your own repair work, invest in a torque wrench. Valve cover bolts are fairly low torque and overtightening them actually wrecks the gasket.
You're not in too deep here. Just take a deep breath, borrow a Dremel tool or buy the cheapest one you can find. Buy a torque wrench and redo the valve cover gasket job. We're all done this and had to learn the hard way. Just chalk this up to a "torquing education."
#2 No, you should not be driving it if it's leaking oil onto the exhaust manifold. Yes, it's a fire hazard.
#3 Yes, you should replace the bolt. If you have a Dremel tool you can grind a small groove into the top of the broken bolt. Then use a flat blade screwdriver to remove it.
#4 If you're going to do your own repair work, invest in a torque wrench. Valve cover bolts are fairly low torque and overtightening them actually wrecks the gasket.
You're not in too deep here. Just take a deep breath, borrow a Dremel tool or buy the cheapest one you can find. Buy a torque wrench and redo the valve cover gasket job. We're all done this and had to learn the hard way. Just chalk this up to a "torquing education."
