Time for a new oil filler cap?
 

Just got my valve seal replaced on my 2009 JCW and noticed what I believe to be oil build up on my valve cover (replaced last year as it was warped) around the PCV system. With a little close up investigating, there looks to be also some oil up along the sides of the oil filler cap seat. I have pictures below.

What do you all think. Time for a new valve cover (again) or just a filler cap?


https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.nor...e6b06979d8.jpg

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.nor...61cb4d781a.jpg

The second pic of your oil filler cap doesn't seem to be sitting flush. The first pic doesn't appear to be related to your oil filler cap though. If you are considering new valve cover, there are many Chinese knock off ones on eBay now that start at about $125. Even if they don't last that long, way cheaper than the OEM Mini cover.

-nels

Looks very light to me. I would try cleaning it up really good, then keeping an eye on it to see how much is actually coming out and where it’s coming from. Is possible a little bit of oil from a clumsy oil change?

Might I suggest, as mentioned, clean it up, plus change the oil cap seal and see it this was it. Should beable to get one locally at an auto parts store.

By the looks it looks like the valve cover, I would clean it out and they check it again. Make sure that cap is on tight. If the oil does not look like it dripped down on the back side i would say valve cover.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...lve-cover.html


https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.nor...9793bd8611.png



Oil cap is inserted a certain way and then turns tight. Should be flush. 11127572848 make sure the gasket is still there and not cut or damaged. Compare it to our pics.


https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.nor...72ae5a13e9.jpg


https://www.ecstuning.com/Search/Sit...h/11127572848/


https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.nor...ca33318a67.jpg

I did a wipe down and signs are pointing to the valve cover. Which is disappointing since I replaced it just last year as a fix to a warped one. From what I can tell the oil is spreading across the cover passenger to driver side. There is a bit of a leak coming from the driver side at front of the cover. The most of the oil cam be seen around the pcv block and at the back of the cover. There also seems to be some oil, not subatantial, on the pcv line fitment.

Here are some new photos.


https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.nor...df712af5d4.jpg

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.nor...3e86207754.jpg

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.nor...60d6152cd4.jpg

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.nor...ac9c020a86.jpg

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.nor...aec3175ffe.jpg

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.nor...54213da4d0.jpg

So I want to say I have narrowed the leak to the pcv line fitment area. I am not sure if it is the fitment, the o-ring gasket on the fitment, or the female portion on the valve cover. The only thing I notice is that the fitment can be wiggled easily and three is some oil in the area where the clip is attached to the line. Could someone tell me if theirs moves like mine?

It is not as evident in my photos, but there is between 1/32" play.

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.nor...460bb26588.jpg

Me pulling the line.

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.nor...9acf87173b.jpg

Me pushing the line away. Note the small gap at the lower portion of the flange.

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.nor...9ae1ec8f2b.jpg

Pull

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.nor...5cfffe3971.jpg

Push

Yeah, that just seems to be the way it sits on the valve cover. I replaced the original cover with this one from ECS tuning about 1 year ago. If not the cover I am curious if it could be the PCV hose.

Thats what I though at first, but the area has been spreading since I got it back from the dealer. Started at just by the passenger side most spark tube and has spread to almost the full other side.

Its has a little bit of play on mine but no leaks, might be the clip or the O ring? Also make sure the bolts around the outside of the valve cover are tight and torque to spec.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-problems.html Post #8



https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.nor...65a300083d.jpg

Thanks ECS, good advice. I'll check the torque on the bolts tonight. I've cleaned the house connector and am going to watch it over the next couple of days to see if that is the culprit. If it is seeping elsewhere, it may be time for a third valve cover.

Welcome.