rickylowary@gmail.com wrote:
> well i started the car today and it was very puttery/jumpy. i popped
> the hood and i could hear a tiny clicking sound coming from the
> distributor.

that could be sensor, but just as likely just the normal sparking that
happens inside.

> is that a tell tale sign that i need a new one? another
> problem i found, which i have been trying to tackle for months, is an
> oil leak. thought it was the o ring(so i replaced it), then it looked
> like the valve cover gasket(so i replaced it) and now it looks to be
> coming from the rocker arm assembly...any thoughts on this one?
>
> thanks again
> Ricky

you need the proper sealant on the corners of the gasket where it goes
around the cam bearing.

but again, check the distributor - there's a seal inside and they tend
to go after a while.

i encourage you also to look into the brand of oil you're using. some
doesn't have good seal conditioner, and seals can leak prolifically -
motorcraft "semi-synthetic" being one example. others, castrol for
example, pretty much arrest all leaking(*), and not a seal to be
changed. check the pcv valve for blockage though.


* google this group for a write-up on my experience with this.