sii.

iTrader: (1)

i checked out a car. popped the hood, tranny and block under valve cover caked in oil...

can it be blown head gasket? havent driven it. but he started it up. started quick. didnt hear no ticks or anything. no funny noises.

whats the worst it can be?

thankssssss

nothing_shocking

If it's under the valve cover, it's probably just the valve cover gasket and/or the distributor o-ring. The head gasket is lower then that, so it couldn't leak up. Pics would help.

sii.

iTrader: (1)

right under the valve cover is clean. sorry if i didnt clarify that

nothing_shocking

If the head gasket had an external leak like that (assuming the valve cover gasket isn't leaking) the block would be covered and the head would be clean. One way to test it is to let it COMPLETELY warm up (radiator fan turns on/goes off twice) with the radiator cap off. Look for really tiny bubbles that don't stop coming (this would check for an internal leak on one of the coolant ports). Also check the exhaust to see if there's moisture or a blueish tint in it. Overheating also tells of a blown gasket.

sii.

iTrader: (1)

i wonder if he would let me take off the heatshield?

nothing_shocking

If he's trying to sell it, he should. If he won't, I'd be careful about it... I could understand him not wanting to let you take something major off (like intake manifold or power steering pump or something) but just the heat shield should be fine...

sii.

iTrader: (1)

more info is appreciated and thanks alot "Nothing Shocking"

itsnotfast

Shoot it with some brake clean, then see how fast it comes back and from where.

Gunmetal_B20_Hatch

iTrader: (9)

usually just VC and dizzy O-ring... probably will need cam & crank seals as well.

boxeocampeon

See if its leaking down the side from underneath the valve cover, if its leaking from between the head and block then its probably the headgasket

sii.

iTrader: (1)

will do that today