After finding an oil leak, my mechanic has advised me I need new valve cover and head gaskets. This would not be such a big deal, if I hadn't already replaced both THREE TIMES in the 5 years I've owned this Rodeo!! The last time being 11 months ago!! I am at my wit's end with this car, I have put over $5000 into this gasket thing! Has anyone out there gone through the same thing? Can these things be fixed for good?? Or will I have to go through this every year or so? The car only has 70,000 miles and I drive it less than 10,000 miles a year! I just want to know if this is normal or not.

No that doesn't sound normal for 70k.I have a 97 with allmost 140k with leaking valve cover gaskets. did you say you need head gaskets too? they are totally different from valve cover gaskets. I would not worry about a little leak, unless it bothers you really bad. As you know it is expensive to replace the gaskets due to the cramped engine compartment. A dealer quoted me 600$ to replace mine! just keep adding oil as needed.

seank42, the valve cover gaskets could not have been installed properly if they keep leaking like that. Try another shop, or someone familiar with this engine. The 1992-1997 3.2L are a pain because the common chamber has to come off to get the one vlv cover off.
G/luck
Joel

Replaced Head Gaskets 3 times in 5 years! Definitely find a different mechanic, one that can prove he's doing maintenance as well.

I've never, in almost 8yrs of owning my 97 Rodeo (3.2L V6) and 132K miles had to replace my head gaskets.

Valve cover gaskets, yes, but only once at 90K miles.

Sounds to me that either your mechanic is taking you to the cleaners, or perhaps maintenance, i.e. cooling system up keep isn't being performed every year in regards to the head gaskets failing.

As far as I know, these 96-97 3.2L V6's are fairly bullet-proof, and you RARELY hear of one let alone 3 head gasket failures on the same engine.

Valve cover gaskets, yes, I've heard of them commonly leaking on these engines, but not even close to that often - maybe once every 70-100K miles.

One thing I've for sure learned about these trucks, is not very many mechanics are TRULELY familiar with them, and even a smaller amount will ADMIT to not being aware of these engines and will cause more harm then good.

Find a new mechanic - signal out an Import Mechanic if you can!

Well I am having similar issue, the valve cover gasket is leaking (which does not bother me) beside the valve cover the gromet sits between the valve cover and the sparkplug wall is leaking really bad and the oil is filling up the sparkplug chamber. This causes grounding of the spark causing it to missfire or die.
I want to do this on my own, I looked and realized that I need to remove the intale manifold.

any idea?

thanks

Z