92 Accord Oil Leak Valve or Gaseket

Hey all. I have a 92 accord that was stolen and I just recovered it (after 4 months). I notice now that there is a substantial, i mean a lot of oil leaking in the engine after a 5 minute drive. I have been reading up on the forums and what was indicated is to replace the 'VALVE COVER GASKET', or the 'HEAD GASKET'. For some reason, I thought they were both the same, but I guess not.

Can someone please tell me what is the difference, where they are located, and from the picture attached, where the oil is coming from? I pretty much know that I have to look for a guide to replace it, but if anyone wants to tell me what needs to be replaced, that will be appreciated also. Sorry for the crappy picture. The RED indicates places where I see oil.

Also, if you can point me to the right items on www.autozone.com, that would be so fantastic.

Thanks All,
Scott


http://www.geocities.com/cscott784/Pics/OIL.jpg

Show us the picture!!!

Valve cover gasket and head gasket are totally different. The former can be replaced in 20 minutes. The latter needs at least 6 hours.

Thanks Proman.

The picture is there though. YOu dont see it? If not, go to

http://www.geocities.com/cscott784/Pics/OIL.jpg

Can you tell me which is which and where do you think the oil is coming from?

Thanks,
scott

can anyone help me?

Thanks,
Scott

You need a valve cover gasket. That's the "pan" on the top of the motor, where the oil is leaking. The head is the top engine casting below that cover, the head gasket is at the seam between it and the engine block.

You can change that VC gasket easy.

This is not your engine, but for the purpose of identification of the parts we're talking about, it'll do. This is an old Jeep 4 banger.

http://www.film.queensu.ca/CJ3b/Photos/Parts/EngineExteriorParts.JPG

1. Valve cover
2. VC gasket
37. Cylinder head
36. Head gasket

#37 is identified as "Water Outlet Fitting" in the ID list, because this is a list of external parts. The cylinder head is not identified, but the water outlet is bolted to the head.

Sorry for the crappy picture. The RED indicates places where I see oil.


http://www.geocities.com/cscott784/Pics/OIL.jpg

I thought it was a great picture. Very clearly illustrates the location of the problem, leaving no doubt of the origin of the leak.

You could make sure the valve cover is properly torqued before replacing the gasket. It's worth a try.

Damn, I don't know if I'd want a car back after stolen that long. :sly:

Thanks all for your help. I succesfully replaced the valve cover gasket and all is well. Thanks again.

Scott