Who to believe

[BamaRodeo]

I'm new to this site, so excuse me if I dont know the proper words to express the problem. Over the weekend, I took my '99 Rodeo in for its 3k oil change. The tech said that the valve cover grasket (located on top of the engine where you put the oil in) was leaking. He quoted me a price of $60.00 to fix. Yes, it does look like its leaking around the seams. Another person told me I could get a oil additive to put in which would make the gasket last longer, and not require a replacement. What do you folks recommend? Last but not least, I too have a problem with my CEL going on and off. I've had the sender node replaced, and that didnt fix it. I currently have 44k miles, 4-cylinder, 2-wheel drive. I look forward to your reply. THANKS!

[Ramblin Fever]

Don't do the oil additive at that little of mileage - I wouldn't personally put a band-aid on. I'd get them fixed, specially if it's only $60.

And, as a suggestion, I would NOT recommend dealer oil changes, OR at least check your oil after they are through.

Many, many, many times they are notorious for putting way toooooo much oil in - which can cause your problem. I'm almost wondering if that's why your gaskets are leaking - 44K miles seems awfully low for that particular maintenance part.

Granted, I don't know much about the 4-cylinder, but that just seems awfully low mileage for a gasket leak.

[amigo-2k]

gasket costs 10 bucks. If it is really leaking then I would just pay the 60 bucks and have it replaced.

[BamaRodeo]

Why do you suppose the dealer would purposely put too much oil in the vehicle? duh. To cause me the unsuspecting client to bring it back to spend more money? I went and checked my maintainance records, and the time before last the dealer changed my oil. Do you think that what I'm seeing around the seams of the valve cover could be a result of the too much oil? A friend suggested that before I take it back to the dealer that I should clean the seams with 'Simply Green' and then keep a eye on it for a week or so. If it comes back, then its a real leak, otherwise its a over-flow problem. What are your thoughts? In regards to the CEL coming on and going off (after several turns of the key), in reading this site it could be caused by a dirty emissions valves. At what millege should I have those cleaned? Thanks.

[2eyefishclaw]

very poor design on the valve cover gasket on the 4cyl model I have replaced many of them around the 40k mark if you get it replaced be sure to tell whoever dpes it to use RTV at the back side where it leaks

[BamaRodeo]

What is RTV? Since I'm a female I doubt the dealer tech would appreciate such input. I know the Service Reps are jerks. Like one of them told me that even though the CEL keeps coming on, as long as the truck drives good. "Don't worry about it". Yeah right.

[rodeo02]

RTV comes in a tube. It's a liquid sealant. On a side note, at 40K miles, if you have not had your timing belt changed on your 2.2L yet, get it done before it pops off & smashes your valvetrain.
G/luck
Joel

[Cat Fuzz]

Ok, I just have to show my geekness here RTV is a type of silicone sealant. It comes in many varieties. The initials RTV stand for Room Tempurature Vulcanizing.