oil leak

[andrea]

hello everyone. i am so frustrated. i have a 2003 jeep liberty sport. so i have had an oil leak off and on. for the past year. it started after i took it in to get an oil change. then all of a sudden i have a major leak. they said it was the valve cover seal. so i replaced it. it stopped leaking . then the next oil change it started leaking again. they said it was the valve cover seal again. so i replaced it. it stopped leaking. so the next oil change it started leaking again. i took it elsewhere to see what or where it was leaking. 1. the mechanic wanted to pay in trade(my ******* for his service of my car) but said it was the valve cover. cuz since i replaced it THAT IS THE REASON WHY ITS LEAKING CUZ I DONTT KNOW WHAT I AM DOING AND ITS BETTER FOR A MAN TO DO THE WORK AND IT WOULD NO LONGER LEAK. said they go bad. ok but in less then a week it goes bad...??? . well i dont believe it is the valve cover seal . so i took it all apart and as i thought the valve cover seal is dry. so my question is.. where else could it be leaking from.

 

[KJowner]

Have you checked the engine hasn't been over filled with oil or oil spilled and running down the engine after the oil change? A leak that only happens after the oil has been changed is very odd.

Clean the engine as much as possible, then start it up, (keep clear of the fan and belts!) Get a bright light and have a good look around it and see if you can find the leak, look from above and below

 

[andrea]

Have you checked the engine hasn't been over filled with oil or oil spilled and running down the engine after the oil change? A leak that only happens after the oil has been changed is very odd.

Clean the engine as much as possible, then start it up, (keep clear of the fan and belts!) Get a bright light and have a good look around it and see if you can find the leak, look from above and below

yes. and i did clean it very well with a degreaser. and i can not tell where it is coming from. i ran my fingers around the valve cover seal and it was dry. i was able to get under it and have a look but i could not tell where it was coming from. along with from the top. im at a total loss of where it would be coming from.

 

[u2slow]

Beware there are different gaskets for the metal vs plastic rocker covers.

Timing cover, oil pan, and various sensors can leak also.

I reckon I cut the leaking in half with a new rocker cover gasket. I can put up with the remaining leak and top up the oil once between oil changes.

 

[KJowner]

Get it nice and warm, then have a look and see where it's coming from, even if you can't see the exact location immediately it will give you an idea of where to look. A mirror on a stick is very handy for small spaces, shine a light on it and you can see round corners.
Check the oil filter has been seated correctly to, this is a common leak point after a service although the mechanic should have run it up and checked after it was charged.