Been reading much about oil leaks but have not gotten a solid answer yet. Here is where I'm at.

2002 GLE with 106k miles. Noticed that I had a leak on both valve covers. Replaced this weekend both gaskets and plugs. Put it all back together but it still appears that I have a slight leak right under the front corner at the timing chain cover. I don't think it's coming from the valve cover gasket as I cant see/feel the oil.

Seems that on the back side right at the timing chain cover I'm having the same issue.

So the question is this an upper oil pan issue or timing chain cover gasket? Or is there something else I should look for?

All advice appreciated!

 

Did you clean the area well? I spray the area with brake parts cleaner then blow it off with compressed air. There's often residual oil hiding in tight places after a repair like this.

It's pretty rare for a timing cover to leak, especially with such low miles.

 

Yes sir. Cleaned the area well. Its new clean oil that I am noticing so that is what has me concerned.

 

So the leak is at both valve covers near the timing cover? Did you put rtv in the corners of the valve covers when you replaced them?

 

Nvm I didn't read well that you don't think it's at the vc lol. I think the RTV question is still valid to rule that out tho

 

Lol. Yes I put rtv at both corners where it was previously. I'll look thru it again and see. Just seems strange that if it was from the vc I would be able to see it from the top. At least for the front location.