Oil dripping from my valve cover on top of the alternator
My 2007 Santa Fe has performed admirably except for one major flaw. There is a design issue where if oil drips or leaks from the valve cover, it falls on top of the alternator. I have the gasket on the valve cover replaced three times. I have been told that oil is again dripping on the alternator where the gasket needs to be replaced...for the fourth time. On one occasion, my alternator shorted out where my car was running on battery power. I work in Mexico and had my car towed to the bridge. My battery was new so I was able to start up the car and was able to drive over the bridge into the US where my car eventually died. I had planned for a tow truck to pick up the vehicle once I crossed over. My vehicle died in a spot where it was easy for the tow truck to have access. My vehicle was towed to a Hyundai Service center where it was diagnosed that the alternator was shorted out due to oil inside the alternator. The root cause was the oil leaking from the valve cover. The gasket and alternator were replaced. Unfortunately, the leaks are persisting because I check it periodically. I do not want to be stranded again. As I said, oil is present on the alternator again so the gasket will need to be replaced the fourth time...VERY FRUSTRATING.
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