Oil leak on top?

2004 HYUNDAI SONATA
224,000 MILES • 2.7L • V6 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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LISTER89
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There is oil pooling on the top of the engine just below the plug wires and I don't know where it is coming from. My first guess is from around the spark plug holes, but it just doesn't make sense to me. Any idea?
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Oct 3, 2023 at 11:14 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

The oil in the pic can be caused by a few things. First, when filling or adding oil to the engine, it is easy to spill it. It can puddle on the top as in the picture.

Next, the valve cover has gaskets that can leak. For the oil to be on top, it may be coming from the spark plug tubes. Remove one spark plug wire at a time and see if they are wet with oil.

Let me know what you find.

Take care,

joe
Oct 3, 2023 at 1:27 PM
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LISTER89
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I had cleaned off the top specifically to make sure it wasn't just from spilling. And it turns out the left wire was a little broken on top. Not the very top but right inside. Sorry it's not the best picture.
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Oct 3, 2023 at 5:18 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 110,236 POSTS
Hi,

Is the boot on that spark plug wet with oil? If it is, we need to replace the valve cover gasket.

If it isn't wet, dry everything off the top of the valve cover gasket and drive it. After about 30 miles, see if you can determine where it is coming from.

Let me know.

Joe
Oct 4, 2023 at 9:56 AM
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