my car blows oil bigtime

[Reeves]

Can someone please tell me if I would be able to replace the valve covers on my MKIII turbo myself? I dont have much experience but it cant be that hard can it? I really need to know before i commit to buying these things.thanks!

[rnoswal]

Sure! You have to start somewhere with repairs and this is an easy one. Just make sure you clean all the oil out of the spark plug holes, you might as well replace them if you don't know when the last time was that they were changed. Almost any brand is good. You will probably need the rubber grommets that fit over the screws that hold the valve covers on too. I don't know if they come with the valve cover seas. Take a look at the 2 front cam seals too and see if it is very wet in that area. You may not be able to tell if the valve covers have been leaking alot, but this is another source for oil leaks and it can ruin the cam belt.

So, it is not just one thing to do, but several things to check. The cam seals should be done with care because you have to remove the timing belt, but at least check to see if the belt is showing signs of cracking on the flat side.

Let us know how it goes.

Russ

[Reeves]

Originally Posted by rnoswal

Sure! You have to start somewhere with repairs and this is an easy one. Just make sure you clean all the oil out of the spark plug holes, you might as well replace them if you don't know when the last time was that they were changed. Almost any brand is good. You will probably need the rubber grommets that fit over the screws that hold the valve covers on too. I don't know if they come with the valve cover seas. Take a look at the 2 front cam seals too and see if it is very wet in that area. You may not be able to tell if the valve covers have been leaking alot, but this is another source for oil leaks and it can ruin the cam belt.

So, it is not just one thing to do, but several things to check. The cam seals should be done with care because you have to remove the timing belt, but at least check to see if the belt is showing signs of cracking on the flat side.

Let us know how it goes.

Russ

There is oil everywhere, im sure it has been leaking for quite a long time. it is all down much of the engine and many of the components under and around the engine. It runs perfect except for the occasional backfire. There is indeed oil in the spark plug holes, how do I go about removing it? And how do i replace spark plugs, stupid question i know, but I have never done it. And what are the cam sleals?? Err better off, what is the cam and how do I go about checking it?

Once I get the valve covers repaired and everything checked, is it safe to pressure wash the engine? There are a lot of wires and stuff and with a fairly old car (with 255,000 miles on it) I would be worried it would break things. Although I have never pressure washed an engine before, and am not even sure that is what it is .

thanks!

[Reeves]

So what do ya think!? -_-