Hi,
Sorry I dont have an answer for you but I think my head gasket is also leaking. I have about 150k miles on my car now. I had about 110k till last year. I changed jobs and its putting on miles like crazy. But I dont know if it is leaking for sure, how would I know I do see some stains on the ground where my car is parked but I am not entirely sure if its oil or coolant. I am very dumb with cars as you can tell.
Second question is there was some smoke coming out of my car today and I wanted to know if it was because of the rain or is this truly a gasket issue.

 

For the first part, check the level of all the fluids under the hood. That should tell you what's on the ground.

Usually a head gasket leak is internal. You wouldn't see it on the ground. A way to tell if you do have a head gasket leak is to check the oil and see if it looks like chocolate milk. This means that coolant is getting into your oil. You can check the coolant for the same thing.

For your second question if the smoke didn't last too long, didn't look too white, or didn't smell sweet, then most likely it was condensation which is normal.

 

im not leaking it from the pan.its just around the engine gasket is all....

 

It sounds like you're referring to the valve cover gasket instead of the head gasket. The valve cover gasket is a basic repair and costs about $30 in parts.

If it's truly the head gasket that's bad, then that's a more expensive repair.

 

Thx Booyah,
Are you referring to my problem. I really dont know the difference between the valve cover gasket and the head gasket itself. How would I know which ones bad?
I just started my car now and the smoke came out for maybe a minute or less and then there was no smoke coming out of it anymore and its not raining now so I suspect it was the rain that caused the smoke. That being said there is still oil that is leaking from the top. So what exactly is my problem and how do I know for sure.

 

This is a picture of a valve cover. If you see oil leaking from the bottom of it then most likely the valve cover gasket needs to be replaced. If you pull your spark plug wires and you see oil on them then the spark plug tube gasket needs to be replaced.

 

Thx Booyah,
I didnt see any white stuff on the ground or any white smoke in the morning either. I guess you are right it was probably condensation. I have checked my levels frequently and didnt see anything that would give me a clue as to where the leak is from. I do change my oil regularly every 2 months so I dont see a level that would alarm me. I see oil leaking from the outer sides of this gasket picture you have put up.
Thanks for all your help

 

No problem. By the way, the picture is of a valve cover. The gasket is made of rubber and goes underneath the valve cover.

Like this.

 

Thx just another proof of my knowledge on these parts. SO the valve cover maybe bad is what you are saying, correct?

 

The valve cover gasket is probably bad.
If you buy a gasket set and some Permatex Ultra Black RTV silicone (5.99 at autozone) you can pop off your valve cover and change the gaskets, and seal it up with the RTV.
It's an easy repair and you get to see inside your KA block at the camshafts, etc.
Just be careful not to over-torque the bolts when you put the cover back on! They snap easily.. I learned the hard way. :sad:

This is what you need.
1993-2001 Nissan Altima - Felpro Valve Cover Gasket Set - Rubber Permadry Molded

That's the set I used, and I haven't had a leaky valve cover or spark plug seals since.

Good luck!