Oil leak from Foxy!

[Chilli Girl]

Today at work I thought I'd better check Foxy's oil.  Opened the lid up and found some oil which I think is probably a leak from the rocker cover gasket.  My last 2 "Chilli" at similar mileage (64k) also developed a small leak.  I suspect it's the original.  Can someone confirm that I may need a new gasket?

[Carolyn]

Where, exactly is the oil?  Can you get a picture of it?

It could be the cam-cover gasket, it could also be the chain tensioner O ring.

Both jobs well with your scope.

[Chilli Girl]

Here it is.

[Chilli Girl]

Don't know why there's two pics the same!  I've stupidly cleaned oil off but where it's shiny looking at the ends, the oil was sat there if that makes sense!

[Carolyn]

Well, in that location, I'd have to say it's the gasket. Just a question:  Is the oil filler cap on tight?  It might be worth removing it and checking for oil around where it sits?

[Chilli Girl]

Carolyn, thank you I'll take a look.

[Chilli Girl]

 Just checked the filler cap Carolyn, on solid and no evidence of leak anywhere.  How much is a gasket and where's the best place to get one please?

Thank you as always.
 

[Carolyn]

This one seems fine and the seller has excellent feedback.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Rocker-Cover-Gasket-Fits-Lotus-Elise-Toyota-Allion-Auris-Ave-Blue-Print-ADT36738/173578507011?_trkparms=aid%3D111001%26algo%3DREC.SEED%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20160727114228%26meid%3De833893c018947b395c769bd5ea7b87c%26pid%3D100290%26rk%3D3%26rkt%3D4%26sd%3D264688492904%26itm%3D173578507011%26pmt%3D0%26noa%3D1%26pg%3D2060778&_trksid=p2060778.c100290.m3507

Go for it Jane!

[paulj]

This one seems fine and the seller has excellent feedback.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Rocker-Cover-Gasket-Fits-Lotus-Elise-Toyota-Allion-Auris-Ave-Blue-Print-ADT36738/173578507011?_trkparms=aid%3D111001%26algo%3DREC.SEED%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20160727114228%26meid%3De833893c018947b395c769bd5ea7b87c%26pid%3D100290%26rk%3D3%26rkt%3D4%26sd%3D264688492904%26itm%3D173578507011%26pmt%3D0%26noa%3D1%26pg%3D2060778&_trksid=p2060778.c100290.m3507

Go for it Jane!

Second recommendation in as many weeks @Carolyn you should ask for commission.  Just goes to prove Good advice is always enduring!

[Chilli Girl]

Now ordered, thanks for your help C.

[Chilli Girl]

Still waiting for the gasket to arrive.  I've only driven Foxy 20 miles since I discovered the leak and each time I've wiped away the oil. I've checked oil and it's fine but perhaps I ought to stop using Foxy til she's fixed. What do other people think?  My work journey is only 8 miles.  I just love driving her on these sunny days but don't want to do her any harm.  

[Carolyn]

Still waiting for the gasket to arrive.  I've only driven Foxy 20 miles since I discovered the leak and each time I've wiped away the oil. I've checked oil and it's fine but perhaps I ought to stop using Foxy til she's fixed. What do other people think?  My work journey is only 8 miles.  I just love driving her on these sunny days but don't want to do her any harm.  

I doubt that you're losing more than a few drops. Even a little oil can look like a lot. Just keep an eye on the oil level. Foxy will be fine.

[Ardent]

Still waiting for the gasket to arrive.  I've only driven Foxy 20 miles since I discovered the leak and each time I've wiped away the oil. I've checked oil and it's fine but perhaps I ought to stop using Foxy til she's fixed. What do other people think?  My work journey is only 8 miles.  I just love driving her on these sunny days but don't want to do her any harm.  

Fear not. Drive as you see fit. Not an issue.

[Chilli Girl]

The gasket arrived yesterday, does this look right? 

[Ardent]

yep.
Makes more sense when cover is off.

[Chilli Girl]

Thanks Jase.

[Chilli Girl]

Well Foxy has had her new Toyota gasket fitted today - I'll be honest I didn't do it.  I checked the engine bay before I left, all very squeaky clean and sealant all cleaned up that I'd put on a few weeks back. Just checked now and there's a very small amount of oil the opposite end now!  Is it normal to leak a tiny amount after a rocker gasket change?  I wouldn't have expected so.

[Carolyn]

Well Foxy has had her new Toyota gasket fitted today - I'll be honest I didn't do it.  I checked the engine bay before I left, all very squeaky clean and sealant all cleaned up that I'd put on a few weeks back. Just checked now and there's a very small amount of oil the opposite end now!  Is it normal to leak a tiny amount after a rocker gasket change?  I wouldn't have expected so.

No it should not be leaking.  Were the surfaces cleaned thoroughly?

[Chilli Girl]

I'm off to see Mum (social distancing) in Somerset tomorrow (I haven't seen her for 10 weeks) so shall see if there's more evidence of oil after that 60 mile journey!  If there is, I suppose I shall have to go back to the garage!  When I checked the engine bay when I picked up the car, it all looked pretty clean but can't say anymore than that sadly.

[Ardent]

what C said. No.

[Chilli Girl]

Update on Foxy.  Had a super drive over on 60 miles of A roads to Somerset to see Mum who looked very well after 3 months!  Thought I'd check the gasket when I arrived and it was dry as a bone and no evidence of leakage whatsoever.  Happy Days. Looking forward to my trip home.

[Dev]

Update on Foxy.  Had a super drive over on 60 miles of A roads to Somerset to see Mum who looked very well after 3 months!  Thought I'd check the gasket when I arrived and it was dry as a bone and no evidence of leakage whatsoever.  Happy Days. Looking forward to my trip home.

 Good to hear. Mine did the same thing. There are two areas on the valve cover mating surfaces which need a little bit of sealer. I forgot to add it and there was a little wicking action seepage only on one small area  but after a day it was bone dry and continues to be for the last few years since I replaced the gasket.

[Chilli Girl]

Still completely dry! Result!  Here's hoping it will stay dry for another 60k!