6 Symptoms of a Valve Cover Gasket Leak
As your car gets older, each time you drive it, the individual engine components wear down a little bit. As fluid passes through hoses and lines, various types of seals keep everything sealed. Unfortunately, these seals can wear down and eventually fail.
One of the most common causes of engine oil leaks is a faulty valve cover gasket. Learn more about this gasket, understand the signs of a bad valve cover gasket, and find out what the average replacement cost will be. What is a valve cover gasket?
An internal combustion engine contains a cylinder block with a certain number of cylinders. The cylinder head is located above the cylinders and supports the entire combustion process. The flow of fuel and air into the cylinders is made possible through channels in the cylinder head.
Above the cylinder head is the so-called valve cover, which is usually made of metal or plastic. Between the cylinder head and the valve cover there is another part called the valve cover gasket. The gasket acts as a surface seal between these two components.
At the same time, the seal traps the oil inside the engine so that it can continue to circulate and lubricate the various engine components. Depending on your specific engine layout, there may be two valve cover gaskets.
Cork Gaskets
Cork seals used to be the first choice for many vehicles. They’re made from natural materials (yes, real cork!) that offer a good balance of compressive strength and durability. So these gaskets effectively seal your valve covers and prevent leaks.
But cork seals have a major drawback: they can become brittle and fall apart over time, so they need to be replaced regularly. But if you’re looking for a cost-effective, eco-friendly option, cork gaskets might be just the thing for you.
Rubber Seals
Rubber seals have become increasingly popular in recent years, especially on newer vehicles. They are made from a variety of synthetic rubber compounds, making them highly heat- and oil-resistant. This durability allows rubber seals to last longer than cork seals, saving you the time and expense of replacement. In addition, rubber seals are typically more flexible, making them easier to install.
Silicone Seals
Silicone gaskets are made from a mixture of silicone and other materials, making them both flexible and resistant to high temperatures. Therefore, silicone seals can withstand the heat and pressure inside the engine better than other materials.
In addition, they typically hold their shape better, resulting in a consistently reliable seal. Silicone seals are a bit more expensive than other options, but the extra performance and durability make them worth the investment.
Signs of a Faulty Valve Cover Gasket
When you first notice a bad valve cover gasket, there is still time to address it before it gets worse. Here are six common signs that indicate a leaking valve cover gasket that can help you identify the source of the leak:
1) Burning smell
The valve cover blocks a lot of compressed oil waiting to come out. A small crack in the valve cover gasket can allow oil to leak out and fall onto other engine parts.
Oil can fall into the exhaust pipe or cylinder head, causing excessive oil burning. If you place engine oil on a very hot surface, you may notice a burning smell.
2) Dirty valve cover (bad valve cover gasket)
When you change the oil in your car, pay attention to the condition of the valve cover. If it is dirty, it means that the valve cover gasket is leaking oil.
Replace the gasket and then change the oil. Or have a professional auto service technician change the oil and replace the seals.
3) Low Engine Oil Level (Low Oil Level Symptoms)
If the valve cover gasket is leaking oil, it means that there is less oil in the engine. This increases friction on the engine’s moving components, which creates more heat there. Too much heat generated will cause the engine to overheat. This can damage engine components beyond repair.
4) Engine misfire
A defective valve cover gasket can also cause the engine to misfire. If oil leaks from the valve cover, it can get into the spark plug holes and cause a short circuit and misfire. This condition is harmful to the engine as it creates unburned fuel, which can affect the reliability and performance of the vehicle.
5) Rough Idling
Rough idling can also be a symptom of a leaking valve cover gasket. A damaged seal can cause a vacuum leak. This problem can affect the engine’s air-fuel mixture, causing poor combustion and a rough idle.
6) Check Engine Light
When your engine is low on oil, the check engine light will come on on your dashboard. You may also see a separate oil warning light on your dashboard. This is one of the first symptoms you’ll notice. Take the warning seriously and repair the leak before the oil level drops dangerously low and causes serious damage to your engine.