Leaking valve cover gasket

[JTrujillo86]

Hey guys. I did an oil change on my car and I noticed oil below the valve cover gasket. I have a GMPP extended warranty, but they'll only cover the replacement if its LEAKING, not seeping. Well, since I'm not a mechanic, I can't tell. The dealership said they can look at it, but if it's just seepage, they will charge me $50 to look at it. Does that seem funked up to anyone else? (I did say fuNked up, btw).

Anyway, is there any easy way for me to tell if its a leak?

Thanks,

- Jeremy

[BNaylor]

Most of the time valve cover gaskets are in the seeping category. Leak is defined as visible dripping (running down engine block, oil visible on driveway or having to add engine oil due to leak.

BTW - The gasket for the front valve cover is an easy DIY job compared to other GM engines.

[JTrujillo86]

Thanks for the reply.

I had my oil changed on Friday by an independent shop and they told me it was "leaking" too. I droped the silver bullet off this morning, so I'm supposed to get a call back from them soon.

If they do replace the gasket, will they do an oil change too? Since I use synthetic 5W30 in my car, will they charge me for that?

If they DON'T replace the gasket, can you tell me what tools I'll need to do the job myself? Obviously a gasket kit, but anything special I should take note of? I'm pretty anal about anything having to do with my car. Even if oil is just seeping, I would still like to replace the gastket. It makes the engine bay look trashy when theres oil all down the front side of the block :-(

Thanks again,

- Jeremy

[PotIsYourFriend]

I wouldn't see why they would change your oil.. No oil will come out when the covers come off...

[JTrujillo86]

So the gasket that I thought was leaking turned out to only be seeping to the GM tech. They did, however, find a badly leaking axle seal. Because they found that, I didn't have to pay.

BTW, is an axle seal the same as a CV boot?

- Jeremy

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by JTrujillo86

So the gasket that I thought was leaking turned out to only be seeping to the GM tech. They did, however, find a badly leaking axle seal. Because they found that, I didn't have to pay.

BTW, is an axle seal the same as a CV boot?

- Jeremy

Can't complain about that. Sounds good.

Sort of. If the CV boots are leaking then you'll lose grease which will cause premature failure of the CV joints (inner and outer). There is an axle seal at the transmission for each axle shaft. When bad ATF drips out.

[JTrujillo86]

Thanks for the response! I appreciate it.

- Jeremy