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2016 - Valve cover gasket leak passenger side (pictures) - any hope of diy?

130 views 4 replies 3 participants last post by  CO17Forester  
#1 ·
Vehicle Details:
2016
2016 subie with 105k miles. Burning oil at startup and noticed a fair bit of crud around the passenger side valve cover.

now I’m not much a mechanic but I’d like to learn if only to save some $$. So far all I’ve ever done is change a fuse relay, and some air filters. Shop wants $570 to replace the gasket.

-is that a normal price-seems a bit high. Figure I could shop around for a better price

-any chance of diy for someone with little experience? I wish I could call upon someone with more experience to help me but I know 0 people who are car savvy in any way.

-if diy is possible, is there a good write up or better yet a video on the process? I found one for an Outback but wasn’t sure the process was the same plus it was driver side.
 
#3 ·
Thanks. What’s the best way to clean it up? I just got the Pcv valve replaced and someone told me if the Pcv valve was causing too much pressure oil can start leaking upstream but it can resolve when the valve is replaced. Is it possible the leak could self resolve?
 
#4 ·
What’s the best way to clean it up?
I use brake parts cleaner then a blow gun to quick dry everything. Don't want oil residue on the exhaust.

Is it possible the leak could self resolve?
Unlikely, once it starts leaking it will only get worse until re-sealed. If it is indeed leaking from the cam carrier, you will see a pool of oil around the fuel injectors underneath the plate covering the fuel rail.

I look at oil leaks on chain motors as only really needing re-sealed if the oil is leaking onto the exhaust or a sensor causing check engine lights and sensor contamination, onto the ground causing environmental concerns, or low oil light coming on in between oil changes.
 
#5 ·
If it is the Rocker gasket leaking, this is the procedure.
Read it over and see if it is something you would be willing to try, this is a good place for questions.

For a cam-carrier leak you would need to pull the engine.
Have fun.
 
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