More oil leaking

I just installed new valve cover gaskets. I changed the oil and steam cleaned the grease from the engine and underneath the car. After driving for awhile, I noticed lots of clean oil leaking again from the driver's side. I went underneath and looked to see where it is coming from and it seems to be leaking from the head gasket. The valve cover gasket on that side looks fine, I checked it and found it perfectly sealed. If I would have known there was another leaking problem, I would have at least checked the head bolts for tightness while I was in there.

The "funny" thing is that the engine is leaking more now than it did when the valve cover gaskets were bad. The only difference is the oil change and a new Purolator Clean One filter. I used the same brand and weight of oil but the Purolator filter is different. I used to buy Fram, but I've heard too many bad things about them.

Is the head gasket shot? Is the head warped? Are the head bolts loose or is there something else? My friend thinks it may be leaking on a pressurized oil galley like the Subarus are known to do. There is no oil in the valley underneath the intake manifold. There is no oil in the coolant and no coolant in the oil.

Maybe the oil pressure relief valve is stuck and the pressure is too high, forcing oil out at the head gasket. I have a gauge on the dash, which reads too high most of the time, but it has never worked right. I should check the oil pressure with a test gauge, which I do not have.

Now what?

Dale

are you sure the back of the rocker cover gasket is not pushed on the inside of the cover I have seen this before I have not seen many head gasket leas on the older 3.2's

Thanks for the reply.

I am absolutely sure the gasket is in place. I have checked it with a mirror and can see rubber between the valve cover and head, all the way around. Plus, there is no oil leaking down from that area. I didn't think the Isuzu 3.2 was known for head gasket leaks, thanks for the confirmation.

Today, I bought a new Fram oil filter and installed it. I also went to the steam cleaner and washed off the area in back of the head- this is where the oil is coming from. The oil pressure gauge is now reading lower with the Fram in place, but as I've said, the gauge has never been accurate. The needle has settled down to 150 psi, about where it used to be. With the Purolator installed, it was much higher. I'll keep an eye on things and see what happens.

I still want to check the oil pressure with a testing gauge to see what is going on.

Hey Cat Fuzz, now that we are neighbors, Do you have one I can borrow? ;)

Dale

The engine still leaks like a b*tch with the Fram.

Yipee, I'm so happy.

Maybe while I'm at the dealer, I can ask them about it.

it may posibly be leaking aat the cam plug behind the head they had issues with these in the past and there is a plate that can be purchased which bolts to the valve cover that will prevent the plug from pushing out of place

150 PSI oil pressure? Wow! I don't think mine's ever gotten much above 85psi on a cold morning. I'm using 10W-30 Havoline with OEM Isuzu filter - wondering if mine's at a low psi, or is your's high?

Curious to know how many miles you got on that rig? I can't recall reading whether or not you were the original owner?

it may posibly be leaking aat the cam plug behind the head they had issues with these in the past and there is a plate that can be purchased which bolts to the valve cover that will prevent the plug from pushing out of place

Thanks for the tip on the cam plug, I'll take a closer look at it. I sure don't want the problem to be the head gasket!

Dale

150 PSI oil pressure? Wow! I don't think mine's ever gotten much above 85psi on a cold morning. I'm using 10W-30 Havoline with OEM Isuzu filter - wondering if mine's at a low psi, or is your's high?

Curious to know how many miles you got on that rig? I can't recall reading whether or not you were the original owner?

I have 133K on the Rodeo and I am not the original owner.

I am running 10W-30 Castrol and there is a *cough* Fram filter in place.

150 PSI is what the gauge on the dash reads, but I think there is a problem with the oil pressure sending unit. The best price on a replacement costs about $90.00 + shipping. I've been quoted as much as $200.00 for it. The last time I checked the wrecking yards, I couldn't find one. Sometimes the gauge reads 80, 150 or 190 depending on what it wants to do that day. I need to hook up an oil pressure tester to see what the engine is really doing. It's probably about 80 PSI.

Dale

80-85 is what it shuold be thats what I am getting from my Trooper using 20w-50 and Isuzu filter

If it were the head gasket it would be missing and not running right. It would also be antifreeze coming out not engine oil.

It could be the rear main seal

Mike
:smokin:

If it were the head gasket it would be missing and not running right. It would also be antifreeze coming out not engine oil.

It could be the rear main seal

Mike
:smokin:

Thanks for the input.

Unfortunately, that is not where the oil is coming from. I can see it on the driver's side dripping down along the head and block seam, coming from the valley between both cylinder heads. My new starter is oily.

Dale