Engine, Drivetrain & Forced-Induction
Have Technical Questions or Done Modifications to the G37? Find out the answer in here!

Help Identifying engine leak

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Mar 29, 2020 | 06:10 PM
  #1  
heedtheninja67's Avatar
heedtheninja67
Thread Starter
Registered Member
 
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 117
Likes: 11
From: Spring, TX
Identifying engine leak

I have two leaks from the driver’s side of the engine. Is this the valve cover gasket? Could anyone tell me what would be involved in the fix and what other things I should have done while the engine is apart? Picture is below.
Thanks


Last edited by heedtheninja67; Mar 30, 2020 at 11:36 AM.
Reply
Old Mar 30, 2020 | 04:47 PM
  #2  
heedtheninja67's Avatar
heedtheninja67
Thread Starter
Registered Member
 
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 117
Likes: 11
From: Spring, TX
Update: Dealer said it's the valve cover gasket. $729 is what they're charging.
Reply
Old Mar 30, 2020 | 05:12 PM
  #3  
Surfnazi's Avatar
Surfnazi
Registered Member
 
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 2,109
Likes: 176
That's about right for 2 hour job the book at
Reply
Old Mar 31, 2020 | 08:22 PM
  #4  
antirice's Avatar
antirice
Registered Member
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 529
Likes: 50
From: SoCal
If the leaking isn't too bad probably can just leave it alone. My car has over 140K miles and it's been looking like OP's picture for the longest time.
Reply
Old Mar 31, 2020 | 10:29 PM
  #5  
SonicVQ's Avatar
SonicVQ
Registered Member
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 1,504
Likes: 361
As I see it, that is a very minor sweat that does not need fixing.
Also, that is not from the valve cover.
Reply
Old Apr 1, 2020 | 11:36 AM
  #6  
ILM-NC G37S's Avatar
ILM-NC G37S
Registered Member
10 Year Member
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 4,863
Likes: 1,616
From: NC
#1- that is NOT a valve cover gasket issue. That area is the intake cam/VTC control cover (specifically for bank #2 as circled in OP's pic).
#2- any dealer/repair shop that can not distinguish between the VTC and valve cover(s) doesn't get $730.
#3- unless oil is seeping through and dripping all over, I would leave it alone.

You might have some minor sweating as SonicVQ mentioned, but I seriously doubt you have a serious oil leak. It is not worth tearing down the entire assembly just to replace those particular gaskets and it will cost A LOT more than $730. Just my 10¢.

For the record mine gets dirty gradually over time. I just wipe it clean and move on. I have zero oil loss/issues ('08 Coupe, ≈108k miles).
Just wipe it clean and go from there.

Last edited by ILM-NC G37S; Apr 1, 2020 at 02:56 PM.
Reply
Old Apr 1, 2020 | 10:50 PM
  #7  
heedtheninja67's Avatar
heedtheninja67
Thread Starter
Registered Member
 
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 117
Likes: 11
From: Spring, TX
Thanks guys. From what I can tell, there is no drip onto other components. Oil level is still at the 2nd dot after 3k miles since the last change. Gave it a wipe.
Reply
Old May 17, 2024 | 07:45 AM
  #8  
John3.7's Avatar
John3.7
Registered Member
 
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 4
Likes: 2

Hey guys I’ve been trying to figure this oil leak for a a while. I’m not sure if it’s the timing cover or VTC cover. I know it’s not valve covers cuz I changed them and also I oil I dripping onto the A/c compressor and other components. Can anyone help me pinpoint this leak?



Here are some pictures I took while trying to find the leak. Anyone know where I can pinpoint it? There’s also oil around the thermostat housing, any help?


Originally Posted by ILM-NC G37S
#1- that is NOT a valve cover gasket issue. That area is the intake cam/VTC control cover (specifically for bank #2 as circled in OP's pic).
#2- any dealer/repair shop that can not distinguish between the VTC and valve cover(s) doesn't get $730.
#3- unless oil is seeping through and dripping all over, I would leave it alone.

You might have some minor sweating as SonicVQ mentioned, but I seriously doubt you have a serious oil leak. It is not worth tearing down the entire assembly just to replace those particular gaskets and it will cost A LOT more than $730. Just my 10¢.

For the record mine gets dirty gradually over time. I just wipe it clean and move on. I have zero oil loss/issues ('08 Coupe, ≈108k miles).
Just wipe it clean and go from there.
Reply
Old Jun 29, 2024 | 04:06 PM
  #9  
Diesel_Haphazar's Avatar
Diesel_Haphazar
Registered Member
 
Joined: May 2024
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Get a few cans of brake clean and go to town. That seeping isn't really worth trying to fix at this point. It looks like the VTC cover gasket and possibly the sealer around the timing cover are allowing oil to seep out.
Reply
Old Jun 30, 2024 | 10:09 AM
  #10  
socketz67's Avatar
socketz67
Administrator
10 Year Member
Community Builder
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 3,017
Likes: 593
From: San Diego, CA
Originally Posted by heedtheninja67
I have two leaks from the driver’s side of the engine. Is this the valve cover gasket? Could anyone tell me what would be involved in the fix and what other things I should have done while the engine is apart? Picture is below.
Thanks
As others mentioned, looks minor and likely not from the valve cover. I'd clean the area with some engine degreaser and keep an eye on it as it looks minor. I had some "oil sweat" near my thermostat when I changed it out. I cleaned it off with some rags and it hasn't reappeared. Likely took years to get to that point.
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
sugargenius
G37 Sedan
1
Nov 4, 2017 08:52 AM
Namir
Buying & Leasing
22
Jul 15, 2009 02:17 PM
Nabsturr
Wheels & Tires
6
Feb 8, 2009 01:28 AM




All times are GMT -4. The time now is 02:09 AM.