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How can I tell if my oil leak is from valve or head gasket?

Tiny
AZROTH
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 SUBARU OUTBACK
  • 190,000 MILES
My oil leak is very slight & looks to be only oil.
Which makes me beleive its more likely a valve cover leak.
If it was a head gasket. Wouldnt I see more clues like overheating or rough start or running. Engine starts and runs like new other than a low idol when cold.
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Thursday, November 17th, 2011 AT 6:00 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
FIXITMR
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,990 POSTS
If you clean off area of suspicion and then run engine you should be able to determine which it is.
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Thursday, November 17th, 2011 AT 7:09 PM
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,761 POSTS
Head gaskets rarely leak externally. The valve cover is more likely but you need to visually follow the leak to it's source.
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Thursday, November 17th, 2011 AT 10:46 PM
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
How do you know its leaking oil and if it does where is your suspected area, give me a picture where so we can help you out
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Thursday, November 17th, 2011 AT 11:16 PM

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