Oil Or Grease On Top Of The Engine?

[tyro2001]

hi im thinking about buyinh a car but there is one thing that looks kinda fishy. on top of the vavle cover there is some kind of oil or grease i cant see where it came from. i looked for leaks i didnt see any thing. could it be seriouse or just some fool spilled it on the engine?

thanks

PS: if you any test that i should do please tell me i am going to look at it again towmorrow, its a 1989 325i

[Kowalski]

Originally posted by tyro2001@Feb 24 2005, 10:13 PM
hi im thinking about buyinh a car but there is one thing that looks kinda fishy. on top of the vavle cover there is some kind of oil or grease i cant see where it came from. i looked for leaks i didnt see any thing. could it be seriouse or just some fool spilled it on the engine?

thanks

PS: if you any test that i should do please tell me i am going to look at it again towmorrow, its a 1989 325i

[snapback]298933[/snapback]

compresion test, also do a vacume test see if shes leaking anywhere. and the oil on top is most likley from spilling when pouring which shows a careless owner. be warned!!!! and every other standard test, best to get a mechanical inspection by a shop or somthing.

[CiscoKid]

it might be a valve cover gasket leak... they are very easy to replace, and cost less than $50. I would reccomend getting a compression and vacuum test done to make sure the engine is in good health

[tyro2001]

how is a compressing/vacum test done?

[e30fanm3]

just take it to a BMW shop and ask for a used car inspection, usually they charge half an hour labor, if the owner wont let you then you dont want the car. The vacuum and compression should be fine if it runs good and doesnt have any loss of power

[tyro2001]

thanks