Hey guys, I have a 5 speed manual 1993 Del Sol Si, and I noticed a leaking noise the other night. Ive checked the engine oil multiple times and it has stayed the same so I don't think its the engine. The transmission and around the left side of the valve cover are all covered in oil. Not much oil has gotten to the ground, but when the car is on I can hear a dripping noise. The car also will not accelerate anymore, I drove it around to test it, and even at 7k rpms in first gear it was hard to make it to 25 mph. Im wondering if anyone has any more input for me on what I should do. The transmission shifts fine and seems great, so Im confused on what is causing my car to be unable to move. Thank you

 

One of 2 things:
1. distributor o-ring
2. valve cover gasket

 

Could the O-ring cause the car to be unable to accelerate like that?

 

Remove the distributor and see if there is oil inside of it. If that isn't the culprit, make sure the ignition is correct...using a timing gun. I've dealt with this before and the car felt really sluggish when trying to accelerate.

 

Okay, thank you very much

 

sure thing..

 

I replaced the distributor today, but the problem persisted. I can still hear a leak, and the car is unable to accelerate past 30mph. I can try checking the ignition timing, but I think the problem must have something to do with the leak, right?

 

Try the valve cover gasket next. You might have a large leak there and air is flowing through. They only cost like $20-30. And you can get the “kit” that includes spark plug tube gaskets (4) and bolt holder rubber pieces. Make sure you don’t over tighten the valve cover. I think it’s only 7.2 ft pounds of torque on those bolts, and I’d go less than that, then just check the bolts later for tightness.