New to forums and cars

I have a 98 Eclipse and this is my first manual car that I have owned. I was wondering if redlining will hurt the engine or what. And I also would like to know what rpm should I shift at when just driving the car. It redlines at 7 and I change around 4 is that to high? I think I messed it up somehow it is leaking oil from the back of the engine so I cant see where it is coming from. Can anyone tell me where it might be leaking from in the back, could this be a blown head gaskit? The guy that worked on my last car said I would have to take it to someone that could put it on a rack to see where it is leaking but do to my job its hard to make it, but I am going on my next day off. Any help would be greatly appricated (sp).

Thanks

Ack! My eyes! Past redline may or may not. The engine can take a lot, but like any other engine, working the engine hard will shorten it's life. During a nice drive in the city, I usually shift just under 3000 rpm, but I'm not 100% since I shift to the sound of my engine. A bunch of people are going to say this.. but FAQ!

Shifting at 4k will not hurt you, but you don't always need to let it get that high before shifting. Redlining it every gear will eventually get you in trouble. Can't help you with your oil problem, that could be many different things. Clean the oil up, and run through the blacklight color changing stuff to find out where it's leaking.

Thanks I dont go past the redline but I have got up to it. Again I am new to the forum stuff, I did a search but I couldnt come up with anything that could help me. I hope its not a head gasket and its something thats not going to take alot of money to fix! Again thanks for the help!

Looks like I missed this thread earlier...

Welcome to Automotive Forums Cain98Eclipse! :thumbsup:

so I cant see where it is coming from.

Thanks
I can't see either after looking at that color, I think I am blinded.J/K Welcome to the forum, and good luck finding your leak.

It might be leaking from the valve cover

Yeah sorry about the color I was playing with this thing to see what all I can do. As for the leak I hope the people that change my breaks and check the axels and stuff will look while they have it on their rack so I can tell the guy that does all my engine work. And Im glad to be here!