Hi Guys,

Please help me identify an oil leak on my brothers car. It's an O'peel Astra GTC. The leak seems to be coming from between the tappet cover and engine block. (Hope i'm right. ). Please see below pics:





Is this normal or something that should be checked out?

Your help would be greatly appreciated.

Replace the tappet cover gasket.

It's an opel. If it doesn't leak there is no oil in the sump.

panic-mechanic wrote:It's an opel. If it doesn't leak there is no oil in the sump.

SHAUN wrote:Replace the tappet cover gasket.

Thanks Shaun. Is this something that should be done immediately or can he wait for the next service?

panic-mechanic wrote:It's an opel. If it doesn't leak there is no oil in the sump.

I know it's normal for an Opel for leak. Don't they all?

But in all serious i just wanted to check if it is anything worrying that should be fixed immediately.

Its just a little sweating by the looks of it, it wont damage anything.

SHAUN wrote:Its just a little sweating by the looks of it, it wont damage anything.

Thanks boet.

Very common on those, the tappet cover is plastic and if it's even slightly over or under tightened they sweat like that. Even if you get it perfect the heat distorts them and it starts again - Oh and be very careful when washing those too

And replacing the cover will cost you an arm and a leg aswell

graham savage wrote:Very common on those, the tappet cover is plastic and if it's even slightly over or under tightened they sweat like that. Even if you get it perfect the heat distorts them and it starts again - Oh and be very careful when washing those too

Thanks for the info bud.

Donavan wrote:And replacing the cover will cost you an arm and a leg aswell

No surprise there, GM always rip him off for parts.