I noticed over the weekend I have an oil leak on my 2000 carrera. There is a slightly smaller size then a silver dollar oil stain on the floor. Its quite small but its definably there. I looked under the car and around the engine to see where its coming from. The engine looks clean from the top and around the side from what I can see with a flash light. Where I noticed the oil to be dripping is on the driver side on the edge of the motor it look like its coming from the valve cover. It only leaks when I drive it, if the car sits it does not leak at all. How much does this run to fix in a shop and do I need to brace my self for other problems like the spark plug casing or anything like that?


Also should I change this right away or can I wait for my scheduled maintenance in about 4 months?

 

Personally, I would have it looked at. While the answer might be obvious, if it isn't what you think it is at first, it could end up causing alot more damage

 

Well, if it were me I'd do the maintainance now and have it checked. Since it's only a small amount it might be just a seal but, it may be leaking worse when driving because thesystem is under pressure, something to consider.

 

@Fla996TT That is the same think I'm thinking about is just I have been getting quotes from 700 to 3K for this job alone. This plus maintenance I might be in a world of hurt.

Plus on my old non German cars, a valve cover seal change is a breeze. I'm totally ok with a pro duing the work I just dont wan to get shafted. Or better yet have a ground to argue with. Most mechanics discuss mechanical work like we have no idea what a wrench is.

 

It is probably your spark plug tubes. I had the same problem last year. It's not a bad job to do yourself.

 

Thanks J. My scheduled maintenance is coming up so I think I'm going to get leak issue taken care of then. Since they need to get in that area of the engine anyway.

 

The cam covers seldom leak, it is usually a spark plug tube, a cam advance solenoid seal or some other source. The is no gasket to fail with the cam covers, the seal directly to the head with Dreibond.

 

How can you be getting prices on a leak which has not yet been diagnosed? I would take in to your dealer for service and have it inspected while it's in. You'll get your report.

 

@denversteve What? Did you not know I'm the diagnosis master. Lol. Yore right steve I'm going to make an appointment and get it checked out.

 

The valve covers are common to leak!...mine were done 4 months ago at the wack of $850.00. If not the covers then yes to the spark plug tubes or another common spot is the oil sending unit if on the passenger side.