oil from thermostat

[2MIZ129]

http://i67.tinypic.com/2zjkmxh.jpg

oil coming from bolt? its not alot and its only that spot do i have a big problem ? or should i just replace.. the car runs fine and oil seems normal and coolant is clean..

[Dr Shuffles]

There is no oil in the thermostat, so that can't be where the oil is coming from. It probably came from spillage while filling the oil. It could have come from a leak somewhere above the thermostat, like the valve cover gasket, but if that was the case you should have noticed the leak already.

If you want to be sure: clean off the oil as best you can, and keep checking the area - if you notice any fresh oil, then you'll be able to pinpoint the leak.

[TobyB]

the valve cover gasket,

That was my thought, too...

t