[SOLVED] Valve Cover Oil Leak

Discussion in 'Mazdaspeed 3 Troubleshooting' started by Scaytale, Sep 12, 2024.

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  1. Scaytale

    Scaytale Gold Member

    Joined:
    Apr 6, 2021
    Posts:
    42
    Trophy Points:
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    Location:
    Virginia
    Ratings:
    +10 / -0
    Year/Make/Model: 2013 Mazdaspeed 3
    Mileage: 176,000
    Location/Alitutude: Tidewater VA (Sea Level)
    Concern: Oil leak at the Valve cover, rear
    Modifications:
    Cobb Intake, Cobb Turbo Inlet, CS Exhaust manifold CST4 turbo, Cobb exhaust/Downpipe, CS HPFP, Turbosmart BPV, Cobb 3 port EBCS
    ECU/Tuning Software: Cobb Accessport V3
    Tuner: Cobb and me
    Is the concern intermittent? No
    Can you duplicate the concern? Yes
    Recent Repairs: 2.5 Bottom end with Esslinger Duratec "Long Rod" and piston kit

    Completed the Esslinger Duratec "Long Rod" and piston kit on a seasoned 2.5 ford block.
    Chased a few oil leaks and got them taken care of, however I have a persistent oil leak at the Valve Cover.
    I have replaced the gasket twice, I have cleaned the top of the head and the valve cover each time.
    I have removed and reinstalled the cover several times, cleaning each time and using RTV where required.
    The leak is now only on the back side of the head, it leaks onto the Exhaust manifold gasket and runs to each end. This causes the leak to seem to be coming from behind the Alternator and from just above the transaxle.
    I have used a mirror to make sure the gasket is seated and not folded under however I still have a leak.
    It is as substantial leak as it makes a steady, and fast drip off the engine.
    I am considering using RTV all the way around on this valve cover, it is vexing me, even though I know that should not be the answer.
    I have reviewed this thread, but didn’t get an answer, it is the closest to my issue I could find.
    My Valve cover is vented in the Stock manner.
    https://mazdaspeeds.org/index.php?threads/cx7-valve-cover-leak.10964/#post-81711

    Please provide any tips or remedies that I can try.

    Thanks in advance
     
  2. Scaytale

    Scaytale Gold Member

    Joined:
    Apr 6, 2021
    Posts:
    42
    Trophy Points:
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    Location:
    Virginia
    Ratings:
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    Well, I know it has been a minuet since I posted this and Look at all those Responses! :)
    Just kidding there is no reason to respond if you don't have any helpful or funny input.
    So I tried many things, some not as smart as others.
    Anyway, I figured it out.
    I bet all you guys thought I was just installing it wrong, or warped my Valve cover using the wrong torque sequence or some other Operator head space issue.
    While I will never say that I have never had Operator issues, that wasn't it this time.
    Turns out, once I had to really look and inspect stuff, the head was cracked at the sealing surface. Obviously this is the last place I looked :) But it is also something I never considered and only found because I was out of other Ideas
    Check the pix, They aren't the best but I think you can see it.

    So Mark it solved
    A newly rebuilt head is being shipped by the re-builder.
    Thanks to them.
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
     
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