Valve cover leaking oil

I just noticed that one of the top 3 bolts in the center of my valve cover
is permeating oil around the edge of the bolt. It is so minimal that it is
hardly noticeable. Everything else is bone-dry. I just had the valve cover
gasket replaced last year, is this normal?
I have a 94 SL2 with 90K miles.

I have an appointment to have the gasket changed next week, but I am
concerned as I drive about 60 miles a day at highway speeds (above 70mph)
and am concerned about compression loss or engine damage. I am not low on
oil.

As long as I make sure the oil is at level, is this ok? Thanks.

--
marx404

What about in the base of the spark plug wells, any oil there?

Unless it was leaving puddles I wouldn't think it's anything but annoying.
It could be a result of the last gasket replacement (not done correctly), or
if I made a leap (wild guess) there could be increased cover pressure from
worn valve stem seals.


"marx404" > wrote in message
...
> I just noticed that one of the top 3 bolts in the center of my valve cover
> is permeating oil around the edge of the bolt. It is so minimal that it is
> hardly noticeable. Everything else is bone-dry. I just had the valve cover
> gasket replaced last year, is this normal?
> I have a 94 SL2 with 90K miles.
>
> I have an appointment to have the gasket changed next week, but I am
> concerned as I drive about 60 miles a day at highway speeds (above 70mph)
> and am concerned about compression loss or engine damage. I am not low on
> oil.
>
> As long as I make sure the oil is at level, is this ok? Thanks.
>
> --
> marx404
>
>
>

In article >, says...
> I just noticed that one of the top 3 bolts in the center of my valve cover
> is permeating oil around the edge of the bolt. It is so minimal that it is
> hardly noticeable. Everything else is bone-dry. I just had the valve cover
> gasket replaced last year, is this normal?
> I have a 94 SL2 with 90K miles.

Valve covers are often prone to leak/seep especially on a 1.9L. Someone
must not have torqued it down right or missed a spot that required
sealant or didnt clean the surface very well.

> I have an appointment to have the gasket changed next week, but I am
> concerned as I drive about 60 miles a day at highway speeds (above 70mph)
> and am concerned about compression loss or engine damage. I am not low on
> oil.

Compression loss from a "valve" cover?

> As long as I make sure the oil is at level, is this ok? Thanks.

Yup.

well, I just wanted to be on the safe side. I feel much better knowing that
it is more of an annoyance then a prelude to a problem, especially when I am
now driving 60 miles a day at speeds up to and past 80mph sometimes. Thanx.

marx404

> What about in the base of the spark plug wells, any oil there?

nope, bone dry. pulled out the plug wires, inspected them and the plug wells
too. :-)

marx404