I have an oil leak on my 09 R56 Justa. Could you all provide guidance? Why is it leaking? What needs to be done?

 

Your valve cover gasket has failed. It's simple to replace.

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/min...co-11127567877

Or you can find other vendors.

 

How can I be sure it is only the gasket and not the valve cover itself?

 

Clean it, retorque the valve cover bolts and see what happens.

 

I replaced the gasket today. Everything was going great until I was putting the cover back on, and I managed to strip one of the bolts. So now I'm waiting for the new ones (bought 2, just in case another one bites the dust).

I took these four pictures with the cover off. Is there anything you all can see that I should be aware of or concerned about?

 

Oh my! That is very dirty! How many miles are you driving before oil changes? What type of oil and filter are you using?

 

I couldn't tell you how often before 80k miles, but until 100k miles it was done every 7.5k miles. After 100k, every 5k miles.
Currently at 122k miles.

I used Liqui Moly between 80-100. After that, Pennzoil Platinum High Mileage 5W-30 Full Synthetic.

Is there any way to clean this dirt off?? What would you recommend?

 

I have used SeaFoam Spray with great results; If I remember correctly, you can also use SeaFoam Liquid in your engine oil and it will emulsify all those carbon deposits. Follow the instructions on the label. I've never tried SeaFoam in my oil; since we are the original owners, and I've changed the oil every 7.5K miles.

What type of filter are you using?

 

Thank you for that recommendation!

This one:

 

Don't use seafoam in the engine oil. It is not a lubricant. There are reports of ruined engines from this.

The coked oil buildup isn't really hurting anything. It is an old car. Keep changing the oil at 5K & it will run for a long time.

 

That is a little dirty. My guess is the person before did the long services. Just keep changing the oil.

Lots of people like this stuff. And its liqui moly.

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-liqui_mo...00ml/lm2037kt/


On that end of the gasket you can take your time and clean off the cooked oil sludge and make sure it does not fall back into the engine.