I have a 2003 Lancer OZ with 145k miles on it. I brought my car in for a brake change and the shop mentioned that my valve cover is leaking and that I should have it replaced. Another mechanic a couple years back mentioned that it was "misting oil" and that it wasn't that big a deal. Does the valve cover really need to be replaced or do you think it is just the valve cover gasket?

 

Wierd there saying you have basically a hole somewhere in your valve cover itself? I say first buy a valve cover gasket and see if that fixes the issue there not too expensive

 

One of the other mechanics at the shop said that he probably meant the gasket. That makes me feel better.

 

Yep, just the gasket. The valve cover itself doesn't go bad. Where in NJ are you located? I'm a former Mitsu mechanic (now with toyota) if you need any work done, I can definitely beat what other shops charge. Let me know, I'm located in Gloucester county.