Sweating 3.0

[T0M3K]

My engine shows oil on the heads and it appears to be simply said, sweating:



I would think that is the problem with head gasket.

[Charles.waite]

Nope thats a Valve Cover gasket. I think that's what you meant though.

You might want to check out your PCV as when it fails it usually takes out the Valve Cover gaskets because the increased pressure in the crankcase causes oil to seep past the gaskets.

[rollerton]

What he said. But those gaskets are kind of a PITA, due to the rigid coil pack harness housing, dipstick, and the front timing covers. Still, you can do them yourself- but be careful, the valve covers are PLASTIC. Don't overtighten.

[JoshDub]

The valve covers are actually very easy.

1) unbolt coolant tank and rotate out of way (don't drain!)

2) remove air box

3) remove coilpacks

4) unbolt coil pack wiring harness from valve covers

5) unbolt timing belt covers (should be 4 torx bolts up top).

6) unbolt dipstick tube from side of engine and valve cover, then slide out of way (doesn't move much).

7) disconnect the vacuum lines from back of valve covers (1 per)

8) unbolt valve covers and remove / replace gasket.

9) reinstall in reverse order.

That should be everything is memory serves me correctly.

[T0M3K]

Sounds like one of those weekend projects, where 2 hour tasks takes 2 days since everything will go wrong.

[JEENYUS]

Nope thats a Valve Cover gasket. I think that's what you meant though.

You might want to check out your PCV as when it fails it usually takes out the Valve Cover gaskets because the increased pressure in the crankcase causes oil to seep past the gaskets.

this. if your car is running like shit, that is the reason. I posted up a DIY for the PCV on a 3.0. it's a really easy swap.

also, VC gasket is easy. i am going to have to do mine here this weekend i imagine. I will try to take pics and post up a DIY for that as well.

[Charles.waite]

Sounds like one of those weekend projects, where 2 hour tasks takes 2 days since everything will go wrong.

This is definitely the case.

I did my VCG on my 1.8t and i ended up snapping my PCV breather (extremely common I later learned) and it ended up I needed to trek to the dealer and for over $80 in parts and jerry rig other stuff with heater hose to get it up and running. Definitely leave extra time in case of the inevitable collateral damage...