So, I saw the other oil leak post and was wondering if anyone has seen the same thing I am seeing. Every once in a while, I will smell oil coming from the 02 wrx. Now, when I take a look at the engine, which I keep very clean, I now have a build up of oil residue on top of the pass side heads. So, if you look down onto the engine just to the left of the TGVs...there's a ton of oil buildup. Anyone with ideas? Valve cover gaskets? It's got 123k miles. Thanks, - Justin K.
I heard that turbo subaru's almost never have headgasket problems. But what do i know. It could just be cold weather and you are getting some small leaks from the seals. I would think its ok if its not dripping.
I took a look at the underside of the engine, and there is evidence of oil making its way all the way down. But I just see a ton of buildup up top. Like, it covers the top of the head. That's kinda why I think it could be the valve cover gaskets...but then again, I have no idea! :-/ I'm pretty positive it's not a head gasket. I don't have any cooling issues. But I am planning a 257 swap within the next year, so I'd like to figure out the issues before I go ahead with it.
could very well be a cover seal is all, when my studs were backed out a tad the front right corner of my covers were leaking as well.
indeed valve cover gaskets probably, tim12232 had this problem and it would only leak every once in a while, and if your car has that many miles then its due PM me for price on new v/c stuff
Do seals on these cars commonly leak when it gets uber cold? Do the leaks stop when it warms up, or do they need to be swapped?
thats because the materials start to shrink and expand with different temps, different sizes= gaps for leaks
Could the power steering leak at all? Mine did and it made that side of the motor look crappy pretty fast.
true, that as well could be...but if you wipe your finger on it you can tell if its fluid from the PS system or if its Oil, if its from the PS...check the crush washers and that banjo fitting i had to replace mine too. (wow, i realize now how much of a PITA my car has been)
I have the same problem with the oil... I was thinking it could be a leak from the oil tube going into the head? or is that a coolant line? the one that goes straight up into the turbo in the back... I thought it was ps fluid too at first, but with the wipe test, it was not ps fluid....
It's probably the top PCV seperator plate on the top of the valve cover. They have a rubber seal in-between the valve cover and the plate. Those leak often enough.
