oil leak help Options

[captb]

for a few months now i've been leaking a few drops of oil a day. nothing major but i finally got time to look for the leak today.

what i found:
1) there are signs of oil reaching just below the cylinder head. only on rear side of engine though.
2) i cleaned underneath and ran idle for 10mins and didnt see anything.
3) #3 spark plug had oil, but not on where the spark comes from, mostly on the threads and head.
4) there was some oil in the distributor cap.

car info:
1) 125,000miles
2) never touched engine bay for minimum 4months

im thinking it may be the head gasket, or does my engine block need an overhaul. all help is appreciated.

[captb]

thanks Mstoochn.

some additional questions.

1) how much does a compression meter run. (those always come in handy when buying used car)?

2) im thinking i may be able to handle a headgasket replacement but how bout a valve seal replacement? would i need to be ale to remove the engine from the chasis?

[Mstoochn]

thanks Mstoochn.

some additional questions.

1) how much does a compression meter run. (those always come in handy when buying used car)?

2) im thinking i may be able to handle a headgasket replacement but how bout a valve seal replacement? would i need to be ale to remove the engine from the chasis?

you would need to remove the head and take every little piec apart, If you are not extreme mechanically inclined/Careful I would advise a professional, pending where u live there are people on here that would certainly take a day with you to do it!

Pick one up at lordco for about 40$. All 4 cylinders should be at about 265-280 if there is more than 10 between any cylinders could be a HG problem.

ALSO ### if there is oil around the plug but not on the tip i would advise tightening all 4 nuts on the cylinder wells. be sure to do it slowly and equaly, your valve cover gasket is old and warn

This post has been edited by Mstoochn: Jun 16, 2009 - 3:08 PM