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Mystery oil leak

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Old Jan 20, 2011 | 10:11 PM
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Default Mystery oil leak

My Bonneville has an oil leak, and I'm not quite sure where it is. There is no dripping on the ground, and I'm pretty sure it is not burning it, as there is no smoke in the exhaust or oil on the plugs. Although, I do occasionally smell something, like some oil dripped on something hot on the engine. Anybody have any ideas where it could be at?
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Old Jan 20, 2011 | 10:15 PM
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Valve cover gaskets.
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Old Jan 20, 2011 | 10:38 PM
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Very common issue is the valve cover gaskets...Look around and see if you have an oil on your heads
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Old Jan 20, 2011 | 11:31 PM
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+ 2 !!!
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Old Jan 20, 2011 | 11:39 PM
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+4. Twice for Obnoxus, and then once for every valve cover.

If it'* been leaking for a while, you'll notice that your entire engine and transmission may be covered in sludge and dirt (as opposed to just normal road dirt). Taken from personal experience.
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Old Jan 20, 2011 | 11:46 PM
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Shoot to late to edit...Well it would also explain the smell if it is dripping out of the valve cover gaskets and hitting the exhaust manifolds
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Old Jan 21, 2011 | 06:11 AM
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Dan,

Didn't you also identify in some prior threads that the valve inlets or something to that nature is a source for oil loss with no oil found on ground or seen out the exhaust? I have a like condition with my Bonny and my valve cover gaskets are ok.
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Old Jan 21, 2011 | 08:03 AM
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With no outside leaks of oil found, and missing a high amount of oil and not seeing much if any smoke, valve seals can be the problem. They only leak when the car is parked and not running. And only leak a small amount.
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Old Jan 22, 2011 | 09:51 PM
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I checked out the valve seals, it does look like that is where it is leaking from.
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Old Jan 22, 2011 | 09:54 PM
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Those are relatively easy to fix. About $50 for the gaskets and a few hours of time and it'* done. You will need a inch pound torque wrench.
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