Leaking Valve Cover = Loss of Performance?

[ChronicTeutonic]

Last oil change, I noted a significant amount of oil on the sway bar and splash pan. I'd also began to smell burning oil almost every time I drove the car. The car is CPO so I brought it to the stealer-ship. They dyed the oil and sure enough both valve covers were leaking. The replacement was covered under my CPO warranty.

I can't believe the improvement in the car's performance after the fix! Response and shifts (tip) are so much better. I used to hear a whistling while accelerating and I'd get the occasional idle fluctuation at a stop light, now that's all gone. The vacuum leak caused by the gaskets/loose covers must have been significant!

Also, according to the TSBs I've looked at Audi's policy on fixing leaks is that the customer must complain about the leak and it must actually drip from the underside of the car. I'd recommend anyone with any of the symptoms I mentioned take off that splash pan under the engine and have a look, could solve some of the "mysterious" behavior from your V8.

[SoCalS4Avant]

Bet you're glad that's out of the way - and not as serious as it could have been!

[ChronicTeutonic]

Car was only gone over the weekend, but I can honestly say I really missed it. I will say this, check their work... The mechanic must have been in a rush since the air box snorkel wasn't properly install. Took me about 30 seconds to do it right, but other than that I'm happy with the result.

[RAudi Driver]

now clean the motor and undercarriage and you're all set. Glad to hear that everything worked out.

[Bpitz15]

dropping the car off on monday at hoffman audi. In the past 3000 miles I had to add one quart of total quartz synthetic, and 400 miles after that addition (today) I had to add another quart. The car is going in for a complete evaluation, and to hopefully diagnose the issue before the warranty is terminated.