Oil around header bolt?

E

electronix

New Member
Hey guys, I have found a pretty weird oil leak around the bottom header bolt that is visible between the left most and centre left pipes. There is no dripping from around the rocker cover seal, nor is there any indication of dripping below the header bolt. Its just slightly gunky around it, and some oil stains are visible on the header around it (not a huge patch of oil though).

My oil isnt milky nor am I getting any noticable performance decreases. As far as I know the car doesnt burn oil (no black smoke or anything), nor is it going though oil particularly quick, oil is a normal colour. There are no other visible leaks anywhere, and no cracks. I have checked underneath the bolt and found nothing unusual besides the little bit of dampness. All other bolts are clean. I checked the bolt and its tight, I couldnt move it either way.

What could be causing the problem? As far as I can tell, there really shouldnt be a reason a header bolt should have any oil around it! :?

EDIT: Forgot to say that header is stock.
 
It may have gotten there from someone checking the dipstick, or filling oil etc.
I suggest cleaning it and keeping an eye on it to see if it returns. It will be easier to diagnose after you clean it and it returns
 
When I first noticed it I cleaned all the gunk off, assuming the same thing. Having been a few days since I did that I believe it is actually leaking in some way.

Its quite a small leak, more dampness than dripping or pooling of oil and it seems by the gunk buildup around the bolt that was there that it has been there for a bit before I noticed it.

I have also noticed that the bolt seems to have been either tightened or tampered with in some way as there was definite signs of someone using a wrench on it. Prior to checking its tightness I have not touched it at all.

Is it possible that the exhaust gasket underneath may be damaged? Even if thats the case I dont think I should be getting an oil leak because that would indicate Im burning oil?
 
a few possible things, a photo would most definitely help :)

but going of what you've described, either valve cover gasket (easy fix), buggered gasket along with worn piston rings and or valves, and worst case, head gasket leak.

really need a picture to see what is happening....but id put my money on v/c gasket.
 
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Pics as requested. Good thing I managed to find my camera today!

EDIT: I checked around the VC. There is absolutely no signs of an oil leak. My Engine is pretty clean so a leak would be immediately apparent.
 
strange haha

just start eliminating things man, replace exhaust gasket, get a compression test done as well....you never know.
why is that nut completely different to the others?

i would replace gasket, get a new nut, and use some kinda of thread seal on it, and hope it seals it tigher than it looks like its doing, and see how that goes.

does not look detrimental....i doubt you'll be losing much fluid at all.....it is oil correct?
 
I have no clue why that one is any different, tbh I just assumed its the same as the rest but the others arent covered in oil so they are rusty. But it does look like someone played with that one nut before I checked tighness today.

To the best of my knowledge it is oil, certainly smells like oil. Definitely isnt coolant or there would be more white residue there and it wouldnt be greasy.

Im planning on getting new 4-2-1 headers so I'll be doing the exhaust gaskets anyway. Is there any signs I should watch for besides smoke or anything I can do at home to check?
 
pull plugs and check condition of those....if they need replacing, replace them, drive for 10 mins like you normally would *casual/fast/granny* and then pull plugs again and check...

checked your oil level? not just for low, but also to much oil...
 
Definitely not too much. Oil change was done ~4k km ago and it was perfect then, sitting just around the 3/4 full now according to dipstick so I guess no abnormal burning? (considering I have done a number of hard runs and driven up many hills)

I havent checked plugs yet at all since I got the car which is embarassing but replacing them is on my ever growing to do list that I seem to be writing up instead of studying for exams :-(
 
4k km, and burned through 1/4?

not sure if that is ok....ill have an ask around to some mechanic mates of mine :)
 
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