Please help me spot this leak!

**Leeer73** · 10-02-2008 04:48 PM

Hi guys, new to the forum here and so far I'm lovin it!

Okay, to start, there is a small oil leak that drips on my manifold and causes a stinking burnt oil smell when I drive.

I pulled out the airbox and can see where it's dripping. It's the passanger side.

It looks like it's leaking from the very back of the valve cover dripping on the exhaust RIGHT where the manifold bolts to the exhaust pipe (l0oks like a small collector) just before the O2 sensor.

On searching here I know it will be either the vavle cover gasket or the Cam seal (I'm not sure yet where it's located). I just don't know which it is!

Can you guys shed some light here for me? Thank you!

EDIT: Here are some pics. Not the best though....

**kingofnyc** · 10-02-2008 05:02 PM

its a cam chain tensioner gasket. very cheap part but involves a lot of labor.
better call local shops for prices. you need a special tool to change that.

6.95 for each side from ecs tuning.

**Leeer73** · 10-02-2008 05:38 PM

Thanks KingofNYC for the quick reply. If you look at the last of my pictures, where that white silicone is, there is what looks like a black plastic "cap". It is round and raises about 1/8 of an inch above the surface.

It looks nothing like the pic you posted, but I never did give you the specs of my car so maybe it's diffrent!

I have a 2000 A6 2.8.

Even though mines is round, do you think it's the same thing?

**ryuuoh** · 10-02-2008 06:08 PM

2.8 30v oil leaks

**Leeer73** · 10-02-2008 07:21 PM

Lol, thanks both here and there!!!

Apperantly I've found out that the leak is coming from my rear camshaft end cap. The guy I spoke to said that it's not difficult to replace. He said that I remove the valve cover, loosen the rear bearing cap and pop it out and replace it. The I just retorque everything back and I'm good!

Does this sound right to any of you?

**ryuuoh** · 10-02-2008 07:31 PM

I would run the test in that article first. If you have a clogged breather, the leak will only come back. If you fix the breather, the leak may stop.

btw, I found this on ECS Tuning's web site:

This is an upgraded version of the OEM oil cap with a built in pressure release valve. This integrated valve releases excess pressure in the crank case ventilation system that causes seals to leak such as cam adjusters and valve cover gaskets.

Save your engine from expensive repairs with this inexpensive part.

**Leeer73** · 10-03-2008 12:30 AM

Thanks again for the info! I'm going down to Audi tomorrow to see if I can pick up one of those oil caps!!!

**Daft** · 10-03-2008 10:48 AM

Originally Posted by Leeer73

Lol, thanks both here and there!!!

Apperantly I've found out that the leak is coming from my rear camshaft end cap. The guy I spoke to said that it's not difficult to replace. He said that I remove the valve cover, loosen the rear bearing cap and pop it out and replace it. The I just retorque everything back and I'm good!

Does this sound right to any of you?

Just make sure to replace the valve cover gasket if you go in there to replace the other seals.

**kingofnyc** · 10-03-2008 05:04 PM

I had a v6 2.8 passat 2001 with the same engine with few mods.

i did the seals myself. i did both sides along with valve cover gaskets. total cost around $50 for parts and about 3-4 hours of labor. The picture is of both gaskets , they come together and should be replaced together.
if you dont fix it it will leak even more with time. if you see the smoke and can smell it in the car when you turn ac or heat on then do it as soon as posible. also do both because the other side is leaking also.