Hey all,
I have a 1997 millenia and am having a severe oil leaking problem. The valve cover gaskets are bad and the rear one especially is leaking oil all over the header heat shield. However in addition to this problem the car will die when at stop lights unless I put it in neutral and keep the revs up to about 1500rpms. My question is, am I losing oil pressure because I'm losing so much oil? I checked the oil level and it seemed low... Also, the cel was blinking which means that there is cylinder misfire, probably caused by the spark plug wells having oil in them... Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!
Max

 

NOBODY!?!?! dang

 

Hey try this first you will need a 10mm socket try tightening the bolts on the front valvecover gaskets. and then you will also want to replace your pcv valve. The back valve cover is a pain to tighten as you will have to remove the intake manifold. If mere tightening of these bolts if loose doesn't work then try having the gaskets replaced. Oh lucas now makes a motor oil that may help you. My milly was doing that until I checked the valve cover bolts. I found them loose and rectified that. Good luck.

Doc williams

 

the reason the bolts were loose is because the gasket had shrunk. which they do over time, and after countless heat cycles/exposure to hot oil. at best, it is only a temporary fix, and only a partial one. the correct way would be to replace the gasket.

 

IF you noticed I did say that I rectified the problem which means that I replaced the gaskets. Also If you noticed I said that the intake manifold thing was a pain. Thanks for giving the "correct" way to do that and explaining why the bolts were loose.

 

I would never have known that without your concise and brilliant observation. your insight was a world of help.