Recently when my car was in the shop I was informed I had a small oil leak from the side cover. How difficult is it to change? Something I can do myself without ripping the engine out or is this best dealt with by a professional?

 

You could do it with the engine still in the car, it would just be kind of difficult. By te way, I'm assuming you're talking about the timing cover. But there is just very little room for you to work around there but it can be done

 

Might not be an oil leak at all though. Take it home clean up the engien really good, then start it let it run for abit in one spot, then let it sit. Check to see if any oil is on the ground / leaking. Ive heard of some shops putting oil on parts to say they are leaking when they arnt.

That happened to me once years ago with a strut. haha Tards didnt account that those struts were new and still under warenty, so I took them back to the shop it came from and they said it was all fine. haha (Wich they were)

 

Yea the timing cover, wasn't sure what exactly it was. I did have the tensioner replaced a few years ago so it could just be left over from that. I never see oil spots where I park so i think I'll clean it and see what I get. Thanks guys.

 

I agree with cleaning everything off and going from there and changing that gasket isn't too bad. You just have to remove the tensioner, idler, and crank pulleys and then pull out all the bolts holding that cover on. It is a tight space to work with though.