I'd do a compression test. You can find out about a compression test here Compression Test

You just pick up a gauge from Pep Boys basically and do what that page tells you to do.

If you have low compression then I'd start planning on how you're going to go about fixing it.

 

You know what? I meant to type valve cover.
-dna

 

Well, since you cleared that up you can fix your leaky head - err valve cover by:

A (easiest): Buy a new one! eBay- The World's Online Marketplace

B (Little more effort & Ghetto): JB Weld. Auto Zone.

C (If you know what you are doing, no big deal): You can(not?) weld it rod in hand/MIG... Although Alum is kinda hard to work with.

These things crack and fuck up all the time, just buy a new one and enjoy.

 

A valve cover leaking is no big deal... I think mine has a very small leak come to think of it.

Just go order some new gaskets for it from your local Mitsubishi Dealer and you'll be all set. You should alternate which bolts you tighten back on and torque them very lightly (to a certain spec) or else you'll crack the valve cover

I don't know the spec. off hand... BUT if you could get your hands on a shop manual then it will definately be able to tell you.

 

It's realllllly low. 3-5 ft-lbs I think is what I read. Basicly, do it with a 1/4" drive and watch untill the gaskit starts to expand and fill the gap and maybe hang out a little bit and then it's good. It's always better to under tighten then over tighten. Small oil leak and 5 sec fix or 40 bucks for another valve cover and waiting for it.

 

It's always better to under tighten then over tighten. Small oil leak and 5 sec fix or 40 bucks for another valve cover and waiting for it.

You can't put a price on a statement as true as that!

(at least from what I've been through working on my car)