Possible engine oil leak ?

Question

When I had the bonnet up on my ford focus 1.8 petrol (Zetec E) I noticed at the front of the engine near where the cylinder head cover joins the top of the engine that it looked like there was grease or oil there. Possible gasket leak ?

I was concerned to see this although I don't think I have any engine oil leaks as I check the dipstick once a week and the level doesn't change much. If this was a leak wouldn't the level on the dipstick go down quite a bit ?

I am wondering if it could be from where oil may have been spilt on previous oil changes at the garage. Or could it be from when the timing belt was changed.

Any ideas are welcome ,thanks.

Answer 1

The leak is coming from the rocker cover.  Remove the cover, thoroughly clean surfaces with lacquer thinner; install a new gasket, & torque to manufacture's specifications.

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Answer 2

I didn't answer when you asked yesterday because you already had some great answers by the time I saw the question.  Are you not convinced they were accurate answers?  They were.  No need to ask again.

Just clean the oil off.  If it doesn't reappear, it was a minor spill.  If it does, you need new valve cover gaskets.

Answer 3

There may be an oil weep at that point on the gasket on the engine. This is not serious but just an inconvenience if the oil level is not going down significantly.  I would just clean it off and check it regularly to ensure it does not get worse.  It could be from a small spillage when servicing or when the cam belt was changed as you say but as i say it does not sound serious.

Terry.

Answer 4

You asked this exact question yesterday & I answered it.

If you're not convinced, take it to a garage for a quick look & a quote - it should be quick & cheap to sort.

Answer 5

sounds like rocker cover gasket very cheap to replace when you replace it if it has o rings replace them as well clean the surface with a bit of emery then replace rocker cover and torque up -very common.

Answer 6

just sounds like rocker cover gasket. No big deal really. Won't cost much at all to replace.

Oil loss won't be enough to change level on dipstick

Answer 7

It is fairly normal to get a slight seepage from the rocker box , after a period of time,  only worry about it if the oil is wet and running down the engine