[idk999]

I don't even know what you call the thing, but it's the top part of the engine -- the cover, with the "Split Port Induction 2000" on it. Car's a 1998 Ford Escort SE Wagon, by the way. But so the bolt furthest to the right? I noticed that there's a very small amount of oil residue near the bolt. It's not huge or anything, but you could clean it and then after a few trips it'll be back. I took a photo: http://img815.imageshack.us/img815/1288 ... illeak.jpg
You can't really see the oil, but hopefully you can at least see what I mean. Is this something to worry about, in any way? If it is, what sort of repairs am I looking at?

EDIT: It's also sort of leaking out of the gap in between the top cover and where it meets the metal below it, sort of right below where that bolt is.

 

[EscorGo]

Sounds like time for a new valve cover gasket kit. I comes with new bolt hole grommets.

 

[idk999]

Well let me ask you this. Say I were to put this off for a while? ...or maybe not do it? At all? Would it cause any damage to my engine? Or would it just eventually stall due to a lack of pressure?

EDIT: And also, would you classify this as a 'DIY job?' For someone who isn't very mechanically inclined? lol...

 

[juggalo]

it might just run like crap if u don't do it and yes it's very easy to do

 

[pextor]

it'll be fine with a slightly leaky valve cover gasket.

 

[denisond3]

Hopefully the threads arent stripped out where the bolt goes into the top of the head. You could also remove the bolt, clean the oil off the existing grommet, smear a coating of RTV gasket maker from Permatex on it, put it back in and Very Lightly snug it down. In 12 hours or so the RTV will cure, and should stop the leak.

My covers were leaking at the front, which is the low spot. I had to use a nice bead of the gasket maker all around the outside. Now the outside of my engine stays clean.

I think you could let it leak forever - and it wouldnt hurt anything.

 

[white-lightning]

^+1 on the bead of rtv. I have broken 2 valve cover bolts from over tightening. The rtv works better than cranking down on the bolts.