Engine Oil Leak

[patioman]

Hello All

I have a 1994 1.9L DOHC Saturn w/ 114,000 miles. I just recently purchased the car used. I found paperwork in the glove box indicating it just had a new timing chain installed. The engine has developed a leak at the back near the top. As far as I can tell the valve cover or any of the sensors mounted on the backside are not leaking. I took the car to an oil change shop for them to have a look see. Because of all the clutter around the back side it was hard for them to tell where the leak was. They said they could see the oil spurt outward from somewhere. I have not noticed any oil or foaming action in the coolant or coolant in the oil. The water temperature used to flucuate until I started using 10-40w oil. The car seems to run fine and the engine is very quiet. Is it possible to have a head gasket leak where just oil leaks and no coolant or exhaust gas leak. I have tried 2 bottles of stop leak to no avail. Is it also possible that the timing chain cover has a leak near the top. I have felt all around the cover where I can reach, all dry. About to replace timing cover gasket, valve cover gasket & head gasket this weekend. Any help would be appreciated.

Gary

[Roadkill]

Yes, it is possible for your head gasket to leak oil, but not coolant. Try this first. When the engine is cold, try degreasing the engine. If oil has been leaking for awhile then it will be tough to tell where it is coming from. With a clean engine, it makes the process of locating the leak a lot easier. Good luck!

[patioman]

Thanks for your help. My oil is so fresh and clean (because I have to keep adding so much), I don't know if degreasing would help me. I know the leak is either coming from the head or timing chain cover near the rear. I really can't see, even with a flashlight because of the intake
manifold & fuel injection rail being in the way. I thought about removing the valve cover and double checking the torgue on the head bolts first. I may even consider a dye in the oil before I tackle this project. The problem is, I can't get Saturn parts in my area without having to order them. That's why I would like to make sure I know exactly what I need before I start. I may just order a timing chain cover gasket & seal, Head gasket & valve cover gasket. Then replace all. I would know exactly what I have then and it can't hurt. Just time consuming...thanks for your help

Gary

[pcv]

Your only option at this time is to wash the engine down with a good degreaser. Dry the engine. Put dye in the oil and let it run. Now look for the oil leak. You might have to use one of those little mirrors to find the leak under the intake. You have to confirm the leak before you start spending money on something you don't need. All the Luck to you.