leaking-can't pinpoint-update
 

I'll do my best to describe the leak and conditions of the leak. All of the recent conversations about head gaskets has me worried.

1. I've noticed that occasionly when l come to a stop at a light a bit of steam/smoke will come up from the hood. (more noticeable in the cold)

2. The leak is coming (generaly) from the distibutor side of the engine (91 dx, SOHC). There is some oil residue near the exhaust manifold around plugs #'s 2,3, and 4. The back side of the engine is dry as a bone. The residue seems to be "wet" as if it is more coolant than oil. The engine has that coolant smell to it when you pop the hood.

3. The coolant looks fine i.e good color and quantity. The hoses also look fine -no cracks.

4. Oil: recently changed with no noticeable water in it or discoloration to it.

5. The engine runs fine and at it's normal temperature.

I hope I have provided enough info. Any suggestions or insight would be greatly appreciated. Thanks -Brian

Have you noticed a drop in fluid levels (oil/coolant)? The steam/smoke may be from drips of whatever fluid it is dropping on the exhaust manifold. Did you notice any oil seepage from around the valve cover gasket?

The fluid levels seem fine. i have been checking them more frequently. I wiped off around the valve cover and other parts that have some oil on them to see if I can find the leak. I hope (if anything) it's the valve cover gasket.


thanks

I just drove home from the airport tonight. I stopped at the store. When I came out there was a coolant puddle under the car. I opened the hood to find coolant spewing out of the overflow resevoir. I just read a post in another section about the overflow may be a sign of a blown head gasket. I hope this isn't true. Can anyone confirm or deny.

- If it is true are there any tutorials on this.
- How hard is it for a DIY job?
- How much should I expect to pay a mechanic to do it?

thanks, Brian

Have you left the car running. If yes he may have overheated it can cause an overflow happen to me on my escort.

The temp needle (once warmed up) has never moved from the normal position. The car is in for inspection, so I am having my mechanic check it out. thanks