OK, this may sound pretty ignorant, but I guess I'm just checking my hypothesis. My engine has been leak free for quite some time, until I recently took it for an oil change. After the recent oil change, when I take off in a turn or accelarate through an on/off ramp, I'll get a cloud of oil smoke out of the engine vents. When I park in the driveway, it will drip about a quarter size spot of oil.

Here's what I'm thinking. I believe the oil change place may have over-filled the engine (Series II 3800sc). Could this damage the valve cover gaskets? Is it possible that the valve cover bolts could have un-torqued over time? (About 60k on the engine.) If so, would retourquing alone fix the issue? Or do I need to replace the gaskets? Is there any other possible places that it could be likely to be leaking, considering the symptoms?

Help me Mr. Wizard!

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quote Originally posted by shop_rat45: It's much better than head cheese.

Well you should first find out where the oil is comming from, then worry about fixing it.

clean the motor and see where its leaking from. it does sound like valve cover, due to the puffs of smoke. when you turn, the puddle runs off onto the exhaust. anyways, usually valve covers can be tightened to stop/slow leaks.

Stimp,
I found that the 3800sc builds up pressure in the crankcase. I also would have drips from my valve covers.
I put on a oil breather where the oil fill cap went and it solved my "drip problem"

clean up the drip places and see where it is dripping then look into some kind of vent to help relieve the pressure build up.

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98 3800SC, Getrag 5sp. only one around Austin Texas !

Thanks!

Valve cover leaks in this engine are fairly common. If it is a valve cover leak, retorquing may not help. Fortunately, the valve cover gaskets (actually more like silicone rubber "O" rings) are cheap and reasonably easy to change, at least with the 3800 Series II in my Intrigue.

Thanks for the info, Mark.

Hey Stimpy
Have the same prob w/ mine. crankcase pressure is the culprit,venting is the answer(Ihope)

I went to the local speed shop today, and all the breathers they had were the push-in variety. I was really hoping to find a twist-in one that could be retro fitted to the oil cap when smog check time comes around. Anyone know if there is such an animal available for the L67?