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Hi I changed my oil a couple of hours ago. And I checked the plugs to and I noticed that my plug nearest the oil filling cap where pretty much oil in.

I going to drive the car for a couple of km then check the plug again and se if there is more oil, wiped the oil I found. If I find oil again there is a big risk that my valve cover gasket is broke? right?

Or what could have happend. The car is running smooth when your driving and in idle it sounds god to.

Thanks lennis

Yeah seems like it. If the oil is INSIDE the combustion chamber could b bad valve seals or piston rings... Most likely is the valve cover if it doesnt smoke.

Change your valve cover gasket

Hope its not the right bank!

ive just found oil in teo of my spark plug holes...DOH....take it is the valve cover gasket? there is no exhaust smoke at all and the car drivrs perfect, how easy is this gasket to change, or is it a garage job????

Im glad to hear its not smoke oin exhaust Yeah has to be valve covers.. I HAD BAD vcalve cover gaskets in my old k8.. not as bad as you but yeah. To replace them simply remove the intake manifold..shouldnt take more than 20 mins. The gaskets can cost 100 dlrs over here in my area :S also even in mexico.. I would say ask for probe gt gaskets..may be a little cheaper..i found out almost everything compared to us (radiator hose, gaskets, ect ) is cheaper than when you ask for mx3 maintenance parts. I dont know why if they are made out of same materials :\

It takes a BIT longer than 20 minutes to do it right, but can be done.

The gasket is around $100
You will also need sealant you need to put that on the gasket to glue it in.
Make sure you look up the torque specs for the bolts when reattaching the cover and make sure of the proper amounts.
Remember the rear cover needs you to take off the intake manifold too.


You should also replace your spark plugs as they have been affected, and your leads if the rubber on them is cracking (due to the oil).

When I had mine all changed, it make a large difference in power that I did not expect.

RoundTop wrote:The gasket is around $100

Ive bought 3 of them myself and they've always been about 33 bux each.

bmwm3guy wrote:

RoundTop wrote:The gasket is around $100

Ive bought 3 of them myself and they've always been about 33 bux each.

hopefully thats what mine cost tomorrow
where did you get yours?

suprisingly, Mazda