'03 WRX, pile o' miles. Consistently getting the classic burning oil on the uppipe smoke show and stink still. I assumed pass. side valve cover gasket, even tho I've replaced it before, but now I'm thinking it might be something else, or in addition to that. Below are the best pics I could get in hopes somebody could help pinpoint this without seeing it in person. It seems to be on top of the head and down the side, so not sure if this is the main cause or if it's just a sh!t show of leaking oil all over this thing. If I have to do valve cover gaskets again I'm gonna pull the damn motor. I did them once when the motor was out before, during re-assembly of the top end. Then again while the motor was in (that sucked ass...). I'm still unsure if that's actually what's leaking or not. I'm almost positive that the cam and crank seals aren't, cuz I think that would've been obvious when I had the motor apart before (of course they could've failed since then, too). Anywho, to somewhat warrant pulling the motor out I've also got a set of headers I'd like to put on at the same time. I'd really like to have this oil leak resolved before tossing in some freshly wrapped headers and uppipe, so figured I could tackle both at the same time. And also do spark plugs and whatever else would be convenient at the same time. Pics! Thanks for any suggestions.
Yes, I've got the same issue with mine right now and I assumed it to be the valve cover but haven't started tearing into it yet to find out.
probably valve cover. maybe pcv/breather... either (maybe both?) the big one towards the back or at the plastic breathers on the head.
Mine seemed like it was just coming from the bottom of the passenger side valve cover. I noticed it after the car had been sitting for a while so I'd assume it's just seeping out through the gasket as I wouldn't expect it to be leaking from the PCV while it's not running. And of course it's dripping directly onto my wrapped up-pipe so it's smoky and smelly. I'll take another look at mine as soon as I get a chance and maybe take a couple pics.
That's precisely what I'm trying to avoid. Sure I could just put it in and let 'er buck, but it's only a matter of time until that gets saturated enough to start burning and smoking again. Damn cursed Subaru.
Try changing out the valve cover bolt washer? They do have a seal on it. By looking at it that looks like where it's leaking from.
Best bet is always to buy some engine degreaser (probably some of my favorite stuff in the world). Spray it on, it foams up and is super good at removing oil/dirt. Either wipe it off or use a hose to spray off the rest. Then keep driving and see where the leak starts from. Cheap stuff from Napa works great IME
Personally I would start with non foaming type... pull as much plastic, harnesses, wires, hoses, shields as you can to get it cleaned well ( stiff cleaning brush ) purple power full strength has done wonders for finding the starting point for me
You better hope I never have to do the investigation if your house catches fire. "Well, it's pretty clear that it was a lightning strike. " "Negative, it's arson. Arrest him until we can sort this out. Could be a while... "
So I'm planning to do a handful of crap to this thing in the next week and a half, thanks to the 4 day weekend for the 4th. I put some UV dye in the oil and within a couple drives had signs of it at the bottom of the valve cover. My plan is to pull the motor and give it an up close inspection with the black light. While out I'll replace at least the valve cover gasket (again), pcv valve (probably never been done), swap in some Group N motor and tranny mounts, and also some exhaust work. Anybody got any suggestions as to what else I should be looking for or is convenient while it's out? Clutch was replaced last time and seems to be fine yet. Thanks!
Spark plugs are on my list. Forgot to mention that (thanks for the reminder). Timing and valve lash was also done last time it was out (I'll have to check mileage) when I rebuilt the top end (burnt valve).
