burning oil + leak - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

jsuthers · 02-11-2010, 07:15

Ok well I was under my hood the other day filling the washer fluid, anyway when I was looking around making sure everything is connected and looking good i saw oil accumulation on top of the passenger valve cover (new it was oil put finger in it and it was oil colored) the oil was on top of the covers but the bulk of the oil was in the little holes that are next to the PCV valve on top of the valve covers were there seemed to be a pool of it.

now I know my car burns oil but appently not enough for it to smoke (or I dont notice it much) but there is a black residue in my tail pipes so I know its burning oil lol.

question is what could be causing this..... oil leak on top of valve cover and a oil burn not enough to smoke majorly.

Thank you

P.S sorry about the lengh

**Bert** · 02-11-2010, 07:48

It could just be the grommet around the PCV isn't sealing well. The catalytic convertors burn some oil up that come out of the engine. If there's not much, it handles it quite well. As for the lenghty post, the more information, the better to answer.

jsuthers · 02-11-2010, 08:14

So do I need to replace the whole PCV valve or just the grommet? I plan on removing the valve covers when It gets warmer to clean them and make sure everything else is OK (I hear a slight clicking when the engine in cold so ya :-P

**Bert** · 02-11-2010, 08:42

I'd replace the PCV if it hasn't been for awhile. As for the ticking, if it's gone in seconds, it'd be a lifter. If it takes a few minutes, it could be an exhaust leak. Piston slap does the long term noise too but usually more as you accelerate, and the engine would have to have been overheated to cause it to start.

jsuthers · 02-11-2010, 09:27

AFAIK it wasn't over heated PCV valve was last changed about 4-5 months ago.

Is it pretty easy to replace the lifters after I remove the valve covers?

and what causes exhaust leaks?

**Bert** · 02-11-2010, 10:21

I kind of doubt that it's a lifter. Does the sound go away within seconds? Exhaust leaks can happen due to plugged exhaust or loose bolts etc.

jsuthers · 02-11-2010, 10:26

it definitely takes longer than a few seconds to go away.... it seems to go away as the car warms up (as its still VERY cold - today was 8 degrees Fahrenheit)