Topic: new to engines, need help

[jmhat98]

First off I have this horrible oil leak that sprays oil all over the hood and passenger side of engine. I replaced the oil pressure sending unit b/c I thought that was the problem, but it wasnt. What could it be? Next I just noticed that I have smoke, (maybe exaust?) coming from the drivers side of the engine under the valve cover when jeep has been idling for only about 2 minutes. I would really appreciate any help from anyone on what is causing these 2 things and how I can fix them. It is a 90 4 cyl manual Thanks very much.

[lanulos89]

my guess would be a valve cover gasket, and the smoke ur seeing is the oil leaking out from the valve cover, onto the block.  Are you constantly having to add oil to ur engine?

[Jeffy]

Yup, sounds like a valve cover leak.  Very common on the pre-91's with the plastic valve cover.  The covers can crack and warp over time.

[jmhat98]

Okay, tell me if this makes any sense and how. After looking over things a little farther, this is a pretty new jeep, I found a hose that was rotted in two. It is the fattest hose that goes into my airbox. Could this (1) cause oil to shoot out of my dipstick and (2) cause me to have oil in the airbox. Also what is the part called that connects to 2 metal tubes under my throttle body and has this hose and a smaller one coming out of it. I went to 4 different parts stores and they were no help. it is rubber and shaped like an 8. Thanks alot for your help.

[Jeffy]

The thick tube is probably the fresh air vent or EGR valve.

A clogged EGR could cause oil to get blown into the airbox.

Although, it could also be excessive blow by caused by a engine with many miles and warn piston rings.

[chardrc]

ya ther valve cover on my 90 yj was amy source of oil leakage

[HIWYH8R]

An EGR valve won't cause oil in the airbox. Did you mean PCV valve? If so jeeps don't have one.

Take the valve cover off to change the gasket and while it's off clean the baffles inside where the PCV hose goes (at the back of valve cover. These baffles ar common for getting plugged up. Also check and clean the plastic line going to the back of the valve cover, another common thing for plugging up.

[Jeffy]

Whoops, you're right.  PVC...