Hey guys I'm fairly new to 2GNT. I usually browse dsmtuners.com but have finally realized how much more relevant 2GNT is to my car. I've owned a 1999 OZ Special Edition ATX GS in Barcelona Red Pearl since I was 16 years old (21 now) and have taken care of the exterior perfectly, but have little experience with engines.

I'm in college so my car is a summer driver for now with 103k on her. I've known I've had an oil leak for a while now but after researching on here I think I've narrowed my problem down to the Driver's Bolt Leak. I'm not 100% sure, but from what I've read will either

1. need a new head gasket and head stud bolts?
2. I've read someone hacksawing head bolt #7 a 1/4 off?

I've been looking at DCScripts for head stud bolts, I've read ARP bolts would be overkill unless I'm boosting, which I can't afford. And also head gaskets DCScripts

Also, my case may be worse than just "Driver's Bolt Leak" as there is some oil laying around the area where the spark plug wires are.

Any and all input/advice will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Link to head gaskets http://www.cimotorsports.net/motor-sports/head-gaskets-420a/

Link to head bolt studs http://www.cimotorsports.net/motor-sports/bolts-misc/

Originally posted by 99ozdsm
Also, my case may be worse than just "Driver's Bolt Leak" as there is some oil laying around the area where the spark plug wires are. Any and all input/advice will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

My input would be to do the valve cover gasket before you do anything else. Oil in the spark plug holes has nothing to do with the headgasket. That is valve cover gasket related. It can be hard sometimes to narrow down an oil leak. You would be wise to be absolutely sure that there is not oil leaking down from the valve cover, making it look like its coming from the head gasket. As I recollect (though I have NEVER seen the problem), the "long headbolt" situation was more connected up to the early year Eclipse's.

Thank you for your input. I think you are right because there is oil around all 4 of my spark plug boots. Would this link be exactly what I need to do? http://www.2gnt.com/index.php?d=Replacing%20valve%20cover%20and%20spark%20plug%20gaskets

On average, when I DD my car during the summer, I add in more oil about once a month to keep it above minimum levels.

Also, being a novice with engine work besides simple oil changes/fluids/brakes, would the task of changing my valve cover gasket be fairly easy?

And while I have the head off, should I be looking for anything in particular? as I have just reached 100k.

After doing some research online, replacing the valve cover gasket seems like a task I can do myself. Are there any places recommended that I buy the gasket from? Also where I can get a cheap torch wrench from?

*torque

Originally posted by 99ozdsm
After doing some research online, replacing the valve cover gasket seems like a task I can do myself. Are there any places recommended that I buy the gasket from? Also where I can get a cheap torch wrench from?

Bullett hit the mark, as soon as I read it I thought VC gasket.

You can get the gasket set from Advance Auto or any of the auto parts stores. Should be about 20 bucks. Just make sure you buy the kit that has the spark plug tube gaskets too.

You will need a tube of RTV as well.

Craftsman torque wrenches are cheap and good. FYI, I never torque my VC bolts down. Just get the tight, but not overkill otherwise you will strip it.

Thank you for your advice. I plan on replacing my valve cover gasket next week when I'm off for spring break.

I currently am using Mobile 1 5W-30 Full Synthetic Oil and have read that with older engines the synthetic oil can find ways to seep out. Is this true with the 420a? Should I keep using full synthetic or switch over to regular oil? Thanks

Originally posted by 99ozdsm
Thank you for your advice. I plan on replacing my valve cover gasket next week when I'm off for spring break. I currently am using Mobile 1 5W-30 Full Synthetic Oil and have read that with older engines the synthetic oil can find ways to seep out. Is this true with the 420a? Should I keep using full synthetic or switch over to regular oil? Thanks

I use synthetic. Bought the car with 230k on it and now I am at 272k. Doesnt leak :shrug

Damn, that is a ridiculous amount of miles. My #1 priority for this summer is to get my car up to date with ALL recommended maintenance. I already have a Haynes manual and there is so much information on DSMs online, especially on this site. Simply researching on forums has helped me learn so much about these cars and anything I can do to avoid taking my car to a shop, I'm going to do. Just wish you guys had some side corner window decals so I can represent haha.

Just a heads up....I noticed oil leaking on the back driver's side back when I had 42,000 miles on the 99RS. I checked the valve cover and it was fine. I took it to the dealer and after they checked it out, it was in fact the head gasket leak we all dread. They kept the car, sent me home in a rental, and had it back to me the next day! I was glad it was covered under the 50,000 drive train warranty. So, after you change out the valve cover gasket set and clean it all up, keep an eye out for the head gasket.

Originally posted by John99RS
Just a heads up....I noticed oil leaking on the back driver's side back when I had 42,000 miles on the 99RS. I checked the valve cover and it was fine. I took it to the dealer and after they checked it out, it was in fact the head gasket leak we all dread. They kept the car, sent me home in a rental, and had it back to me the next day! I was glad it was covered under the 50,000 drive train warranty. So, after you change out the valve cover gasket set and clean it all up, keep an eye out for the head gasket.

Thanks for the advice man. I have been cleaning off my engine in order for it to be easier to spot any leaks.

Just an update. As I was taking out the pcv hose that connects the pcv valve to the valve cover, the clamp that was holding it in place had a little bit of oil on it. After taking the clamp off, underneath it revealed a crack in the hose, which could explain an easy solution to my leak. I cleaned off all of the oil in the spark plug boot area and around the valve cover lining. Pulled out the spark plug wires and there didn't seem to be any oil there. I'm hoping my valve cover gasket is still good. My plan is to look for leaks after I drive her around now.

Originally posted by teklein

Originally posted by 99ozdsm Thank you for your advice. I plan on replacing my valve cover gasket next week when I'm off for spring break. I currently am using Mobile 1 5W-30 Full Synthetic Oil and have read that with older engines the synthetic oil can find ways to seep out. Is this true with the 420a? Should I keep using full synthetic or switch over to regular oil? Thanks

I use synthetic. Bought the car with 230k on it and now I am at 272k. Doesnt leak :shrug

After 2 headgasket swaps. :rolleyes

Originally posted by RoninEclipse2G

Originally posted by teklein

Originally posted by 99ozdsm Thank you for your advice. I plan on replacing my valve cover gasket next week when I'm off for spring break. I currently am using Mobile 1 5W-30 Full Synthetic Oil and have read that with older engines the synthetic oil can find ways to seep out. Is this true with the 420a? Should I keep using full synthetic or switch over to regular oil? Thanks

I use synthetic. Bought the car with 230k on it and now I am at 272k. Doesnt leak :shrug

After 2 headgasket swaps. :rolleyes

Pfft. Bottom end never got new gaskets :P

Originally posted by teklein

Originally posted by RoninEclipse2G

Originally posted by teklein

Originally posted by 99ozdsm Thank you for your advice. I plan on replacing my valve cover gasket next week when I'm off for spring break. I currently am using Mobile 1 5W-30 Full Synthetic Oil and have read that with older engines the synthetic oil can find ways to seep out. Is this true with the 420a? Should I keep using full synthetic or switch over to regular oil? Thanks

I use synthetic. Bought the car with 230k on it and now I am at 272k. Doesnt leak :shrug

After 2 headgasket swaps. :rolleyes

Pfft. Bottom end never got new gaskets :P

Malachi's bottom end has never leaked either. It's always been the top. A shop tried to tell me that the rear main was leaking once. Good thing I didn't listen to them.

Originally posted by 99ozdsm
Thank you for your advice. I plan on replacing my valve cover gasket next week when I'm off for spring break. I currently am using Mobile 1 5W-30 Full Synthetic Oil and have read that with older engines the synthetic oil can find ways to seep out. Is this true with the 420a? Should I keep using full synthetic or switch over to regular oil? Thanks

Well, I switched from Mobil mineral oil to 5W-50 full synthetic (mobil too) since 94k miles now I'm at 108k and there are no leaks in my GS, I've changed the oil twice, first change at 94k and second one at 100k and at the moment everything is OK, however I've heard from some guys that used Mobil Synthetic to add a bottle of Lucas Pure Synthetic in the next change but I'm not sure.

Maybe you should run a compression test for checking a potential problem.

Currently my car is a summer driver because I don't need it during the school year at college. Last night I just ordered some NGK V-Power Spark Plugs along with NGK Wires. Hopefully they will come before I go back to school, which is 4.5 drive away from my home(car sits at home while I'm at school). I plan on using Seafoam treatment, changing my spark plugs/wires, and oil/filter before I go back to school if they come in time.

I will need my car in Pittsburgh for the summer, so I'm taking a week break after the semester to do all other recommended maintenance (fluids etc.). At this time I would like to do a compression test, I've never done one but I plan on researching how to do one and how to read it.