If you want the whole backstory, it can be find here: http://www.camaroz28.com/forums/showthread.php?t=600333 But basically I have been to the dealer a few times for this problem.

About 4-5 weeks ago I brought my car back to the dealer to repair an oil leak from the valve cover (again). I noticed last week that it still seems to be leaking.

When I was changing the oil today I decided to take off the engine cover to get a good look at the leak. I noticed the leaky area had dirt and small leaves stuck to it and packed around one of the coil packs on the valve cover were as many leaves that would fit. Keep in mind this valve cover would have to be taken off to replace the gasket.

So this has me thinking: In January and February around here trees do not have leaves and everything is covered in ice and snow. Maybe in October I could accumulate that many leaves in 4 weeks, but I doubt I could in January.

Keep in mind that they were also supposed to change the oil when it was in a couple weeks ago but they didnt.

So what do you think? Do the leaves incriminate them?

Update:
I just took the cover off to take some pics. While taking them I noticed that it doesnt even look like it is leaking from the valve cover, it looks like it is leaking from the solenoid above the valve cover. So not only are they telling me they are fixing something they arent touching, they are telling me they are fixing the wrong thing. What a bunch of hacks!

This pic shows the leaves. There were more. I started pulling them out until I realized what the leaves meant.





Here is the solenoid where it looks like its leaking from (cant really see the oil in the pics).

 

looks like normal debris to me. when they fixed it the first time, they prob only replaced the outer rocker gasket. the 3 small gaskets where your coil goes is whats leaking. they would have to replace the entire valve cover b/c those gaskets are not available separate

 

I agree that it look like normal debris, but it is not going to accumalate there in Jan/Feb in four weeks when there are no leaves to be seen. I havent even seen the grass in probably 8 weeks. We are pretty much a frozen tundra here.

But, this is one reason I want to post this. I know every car can be different. In every car I have worked on the valve cover gasket has been one piece. Do you have pictures of these seperate gaskets?

thanks.

This is what I am finding for a gasket and it would require taking the cover off.

 

the other gaskets are on the underside of the valve cover. they are actually part of it. they are just 3 round rubber gaskets. it would require you to get a new valve cover gasket. not our actual valve cover but it gives you an idea.

 

here you go:3.5L valve cover

 

I see what youre saying about the oring type gaskets around the spark plug holes. So either way they would have had to take off the valve cover and knock off that debris.

 

you got it. those leave may hav easily been stored up there by some type of animal. we get them all the time in customer cars this time of year. i guess they try to build nests in a warm area to stay out of the elements.no reputible shop would have thrown leaves in there.

 

Ive seen the way that animals bring material into an engine bay. It doent really look like that. It looks more like they have blown in there over time along with a bunch of gravel and sand stuck to the oil that is still leaking. I am not saying the mechanic threw leaves in there, Im saything I dont think they did any work.

 

did you goto a dealer? were any parts billed out on your receipt?

 

Yup, it was a dealer.
The parts billed were vavle cover gasket and intake manifold gasket.

Since your animal theory has merit I just went out and took the cover off to look again. I tried to find any signs of an animal and I couldnt, no seeds, chewed leaves, or poop. I also so the same type of leaf scatterd elseware in the engine bay.

 

its difficult to say if they did perform the service or not. those are the correct parts to be billed out for sure. but i know whenever i do a rocker gasket at work, i ALWAYS take the valve cover to the parts washer and clean the hell out of it. the only other way to possibly tell, take a look at the two half moon shaped pieces in the gasket, they should have an orange rtv sealant in that area. from the factory, they use grey. if its been replaced, youll see bright orange

 

Its all gray. I had the engine replaced for oil consumption last year. Since then I have been back 3-4 times for oil leaks in that area. Supposedly this is the second time they replaced the valve cover gasket.

 

im gonna have to call bs then dude. nissan wont even send us the grey stuff. we are only allowed orange so repairs are visible. got back and tell them its leaking again. tell them to parts warranty the gasket and that you would like to see the replaced components. any dealer should not have a problem with that. if they do, id steer clear

 

Ever since I had the engine replace I have been back to this dealer for several things. I always try to be friendly and understanding when I go there even though I have to keep coming back for the same thing. I am sick of the 90 mile round trip wastes of time. I am not going to be as nice anymore.

 

I'd take it back and ask them about the leaves and the lack of orange rtv sealant. I'd just call them on it. I'd also be pretty clear with them that you are running out of patience.

Take Erklep's advice and asked for replaced parts ect. I'd ask for replaced parts for every future repair they do. You might even consider finding a new shop. If everything is fixed properly the next time, problem solved.

If it's not fixed and the work continues to appear as if it wasn't done, I'd submit the pics, along with your invoices, to Infiniti Corp and the service dept and dealership management. I'd let them know that you have a responsibility to report the matter to the better business bureau and or any local media consumer advocate groups in your area. Take it to another mechanic that may be able offer a professional opinion when he opens the valve cover.

What a PITA. I'd be pissed; from what I'm seeing and reading, it looks like they've been taking you for a ride. Hopefully I'm wrong.