New vibe owner, couple questions

[john188971]

Good morning!
I have a a few questions for the masters on this forum
I recently purchased a 2006 pontiac vibe, 67k base with premium sound.
As I always do with a used car, I do a complete fluid change and inspection.
During my inspections I noticed oil on top of the valve cover. Maybe leaking coil pack gaskets?
Also I have some dirty sludge left front of motor, looking at the engine from the front of car. Under valve cover but doesn't seem to be valve cover. Not 100% sure on that but it seems dry not wet.
Since this car was a Chicago car and 100% city driven, I changed plugs, trans fluid, engine oil, and just put a can of seafoam in gas.
Is there anything else I should address?
Thanks again in advance

[vibrologist]

Hi John:
Welcome!
the oil leak is most likely coming form the timing chain tensioner. Here is a video on how to replace the tensioner, maybe you only need the O-ring. Some people added silicone for good measure.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ykC7ykTwbCg

[john188971]

Vibrologist,
Thanks for the welcome! And thanks for the link. But that's the back of the engine passenger side. My sludge is passenger side front of the motor. Just to the left of the intake manifold, looking from the grill. That front corner. Also I have clean oil on top of the valve cover near the coil packs. I know there's a gasket there. But not sure the configuration of the valve cover. Is there 4 o-rings ? One on every spark plug hole?
I'll try and post some pictures tomorrow.
Thanks again
John

[joatmon]

Might be worth replacing the valve cover gasket, it is fairly straightforward and doesn't cost that much. There's a picture of one at http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/felp ... ver+gasket
(Disclaimer: Thats what it looks like, double check the part number before buying)

The rubber gasket only needs a little bit of silicone sealant on the passenger side, front and back to even out the junction of the timing chain cover and the engine block. Not having sealant all the way around makes it easier to clean up the parts when changing the gasket.

Mine was leaking, gave me oil on top of the plugs, none of it ever made it to the top of the valve cover though. Two of the valve cover bolts do go through the center top of the valve cover, the gasket kit should contain two replacement rubber washers for those

But then again, its possible that oil on top could be just from a spill during an oil change

welcome to genvibe

[john188971]

Joatmon,
Good point. Changing valve cover gasket is a great option. And strangely enough I thought of spillage on a previous oil change today. The window oil change reminder said due in 2000 miles. So it could have been done recently. It's clean oil on top. I'd take pictures but it's currently raining here.
I do find it hard to believe oil would splash that high out of the holes and get out from underneath the coil gaskets.
Almost has to be spillage.
Any other things I should look for?
Thanks again
John

[joatmon]

Any other things I should look for?

Not really, a Vibe with only 67K can be expected to not have any particular issues.

At some point consider changing the spark plugs and air filter. You probably want to check the cabin air filter behind the glove box, if that hasn't been changed in 10 years, it could be funky.

[john188971]

Any other things I should look for?

Not really, a Vibe with only 67K can be expected to not have any particular issues.

At some point consider changing the spark plugs and air filter. You probably want to check the cabin air filter behind the glove box, if that hasn't been changed in 10 years, it could be funky.

Spark plugs changed, oem. Airfilter is new. And lol, yes cabin filter was nasty! I think I will just change the valve cover gasket at some point. I'm going to clean all the gunk off and see if it's actually leaking first.
Thanks for all the help!

[FeelTheVibe2004]

Sounds like your vibe's engine's gonna get a shampoo.
Pantene or Head & Shoulders?
I've always had good results with GUNK.

[john188971]

Lol.
Haven't decided what the cleaning agent will be. Gunk is good , I have those refillable spray cans you pressurize with air. I've filled with either lacquer thinner or mineral spirits to spot clean on my lawn equipment.
I'm a big fan of cleaning the gunk off! I know the oil pan is leaking, but I'll fix that next oil change.
Thanks again
John