Hey guys my 04 now has 131k on it, i went to acura to get an oil change and they said that my valve cover is begging to leak... Im not sure what to do, is it a bad gasket or is there a way to figure out where the leak is coming from without wasting time and/or money...

 

What exactly does "begging to leak" mean?

Did they show you any proof of a leak? If so, which cover and where (i.e. front, back, side).

If it's not currently leaking, then why do they think it's "begging to leak".

Have you had the timing belt replaced? Valves adjusted?

 

LMAO wow major typo... I meant to write "BEGINNING" to leak... and no they didnt give me any details on the leak, i was goin to ask but i was running late for work... Yes I had the timing belt and water pump changed at 105k... And no, the valves have not been adjusted...

 

I'd call the service manager back and get details, and then see if you can actually see a leak. If it's the front cover leaking out it's front side, you might be able to re-torque the front VC bolts (8.7 ft-lbs). You'll have to remove the intake manifold to get to the rest of the VC bolts.

FYI, a VC can leak at the main gasket, the spark plug seals, or the VC bolts (there is a metal washer with a rubber gasket).

If it turns out you need to replace a gasket, I'd consider going ahead with a valve adjustment while the intake manifold is off....

 

ok sounds good, is it worth having it done at the dealer or should I just do it myself?...

 

What? The valve adjustment? Hard for me to answer that one. Really depends on your level of experience. If you're unsure, then I'd have a dealer or indy mechanic do it. And if you go the dealer route, a Honda dealer will more likely be cheaper than Acura. Should be around $200.

 

Gotcha, I got some experience but I havent really played under the hood of the TL too much... I only ask because I have lot of things going on and time is of the essence, then again I dont want to just waste money paying that labor...lol Ill prolly stop by the dealer and keep some details on the dealer first thing tomorrow...

 

If they can actually show you the leak (and I'm a bit skeptical about this), then I'd wipe it clean and monitor it. If it's at the front of the front VC edge (i.e. leaking from the main gasket), then I'd check the VC bolts for proper torque.

 

10-4... yes im skeptical myslef thats why im asking, it caused me to second guess the way i drive...lol just in case ive been pretty light on the throttle the last couple of weeks... its just i put A LOT of miles on her i im not tryin to mess anything up... especially i will be paying it off this month...