After a recent oil change I noticed written at the bottom of the bill. Valve cover leak. What was this? ?

Question

2001 Ford Focus. Some people swear they are wonderful cars. I must have bought a lemon, bad mechanics or money grabbing dealership. NEVER AGAIN

Answer 1

COME ON, you have a leaking valve cover gasket and you think you have a lemon! Get real! It won't hurt anything to have a leaking valve cover gasket as long as it's not leaking a huge amount of oil. It can potentially be expensive to change one, so like I said, if it's not leaking a huge amount of oil just leave it as it is.  

Answer 2

Maybe the mechanics have you believing you have a lemon...

I suggest you stop taking your car to the dealer. I never go to the dealer unless its under warranty.

good luck!

Answer 3

You have a metal rectangle cover that covers your valves. It has a gasket, that after time the screws tend to work thier way loose, or the gasket seal gets seperated from the cover. Which lets the oil leak just enough to notice it seeping down the side of the engine! I hope this helps some.  

Answer 4

valve cover leaks are comon with all cars one of the first places they start leaking... its the top of motor not hard to fix and doesnt cost much for gasket.... in most cases its a do at home job if you can handle a wrench... just call a few places and ask what they charge to replace valve cover gaskets..... and you never have work done at any dealers unless its free.... is the last place to go .... shop a round

Answer 5

You need new valve cover gasket.  ANY mechanic can repair this. DON'T take it to the dealer as they would charge WAY TOO MUCH.

Valve cover leak means nothing - even though you should fix it. It is like having a hole in your pants, it doesn't affect the pants - even though you should fix it.

Good luck...

Answer 6

I wouldn't blame the car unless it has High miles. how many miles? We had a 98 silhouette with 98k that had a valve cover leak. when you buy a USED car, you have to expect some defects. A valve cover leak is not a serious thing! it way be bothersome if it is leaking alot. my guess from the age of your car is just a few drips. All a valve cover leak means is that you have a gasket that is leaking a little. this is pretty normal for an older car. many people have cars that leak a little and they drive them that way for a long time. you just have to keep an eye on the oil level and check it like every time you put gas in.

Answer 7

Relax, that is not a big deal at all. Over here in orlando it costs $30.99 for the replacement gasket and an additional $5 for the gasket sealer (glue). All you have to do is Remove the valve cover (when your looking at the engine, that top face is the valve cover). and remove that old gasket and any remaining glue (preferably with a flathead) then you put the new one while applying some glue. Go to autozone and they will be able to help you with all that you need. I agree with the others, do NOT take it to the dealer unless you have an extra arm to pay them with. \

Answer 8

It means that you need to have the valve seals or the whole cover changed or fixed cause you have a leak.