Oil Smoke from engine bay?

**vc1492a** · 12-04-2008 04:38 AM

It seems to sort of "pour out" the left side (if youre up front) of the engine underneath the head. Only does it after continuous hard running, 30 min. or so more.

What could it be? I dont push my car hard at all very much since it's a DD, but I would still like to know what this problem is.

Thanks in advance!

**diagnosticator** · 12-04-2008 05:28 AM

The valve cover gasket is leaking oil onto the exhaust manifold. The gasket must be replaced.

**docurley** · 12-04-2008 06:04 AM

I would agree with you quite common for our cars and quite a cheap and easy fix but if you do it get a silicon seal product for the notch bit of the gasket at the back was told by Audi the gasket some leaks there so a little sealent will stop that.

**Dopefish** · 12-04-2008 07:01 AM

Originally Posted by diagnosticator

The valve cover gasket is leaking oil onto the exhaust manifold. The gasket must be replaced.

This.

Mine made quite the mess from the forward section of the valve cover, leaking down onto the manifold, coating the short block on that side and offering a nice dingy layer of grime to my AC line, hot side intercooler pipe, engine mount and subframe. I took advantage of having the front off for my timing belt to clean things up as my engine bay was otherwise rather clean. The spark plug ports were also full of about 2 FL. OZ. of oil each.

As for sealants, I prefer Permatex Gray RTV or Hylomar and the application was sparing but affective. Basically I dressed the area around the bolts and in the areas where a 'sharp' change in angle occurred as the gasket can sometimes (read: always) not seat exactly as intended in these locations. Just a tiny bit of RTV on each side of the gasket in these locations has kept mine nicely sealed.

**kwimberly** · 12-04-2008 07:04 AM

Originally Posted by Dopefish

This.

Mine made quite the mess from the forward section of the valve cover, leaking down onto the manifold, coating the short block on that side and offering a nice dingy layer of grime to my AC line, hot side intercooler pipe, engine mount and subframe. I took advantage of having the front off for my timing belt to clean things up as my engine bay was otherwise rather clean. The spark plug ports were also full of about 2 FL. OZ. of oil each.

so, your leaky VCG caused an oily mess on the pipes and hoses around the DV area? I've been trying to figure out a similar issue. Check out this thread and see if my pics look like your engine did - if you have time, please!

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=239931

**Dopefish** · 12-04-2008 08:19 AM

Originally Posted by kwimberly

so, your leaky VCG caused an oily mess on the pipes and hoses around the DV area? I've been trying to figure out a similar issue. Check out this thread and see if my pics look like your engine did - if you have time, please!

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=239931

Yep, looked just like that! If you reach around onto the subframe you should see some grime build up, just the same with the sides of the block near cylinders 1&2, all around the starter and the coolant/oil lines to the turbo. I haven't cleaned it up completely but I've done about as good as I can without any harsh chemicals. I took some brake cleaner and paper towels and have just been working my way around everything and anything that looked grimy.

Here are some images of my car when I was taking care of my emissions and valve cover gasket:

As for your oil around the oil filter area, there are two likely causes.
1. Residual oil on the side of the block trickled down from removing the old filter. I always do a full wipe down of that area after removing the old filter as it seems to make an awful mess. Usually I'll let it sit for about 15 minutes and do another wipe down in case I missed something.

2. The oil filter o-ring is not seating perfectly and some oil may be passing by it. I'd take a clean rag/towel and clean the mating surface and threads for the filter pedestal and then take your finger with some fresh oil on it and run it around the parameter of the filter o-ring to aid the seal.

**pa4ul** · 12-04-2008 09:58 AM

anyone have a diy of changing the valve cover gasket?

**Dopefish** · 12-04-2008 12:53 PM

Originally Posted by pa4ul

anyone have a diy of changing the valve cover gasket?

There is a DIY on here already under the B6 A4 FAQ/DIY section but I'll be writing one up shortly with more images and detail @ CFLAudi.com. The one located here is functional enough though and has all the info you'd need.

Here is the AMB VC gasket thread: http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=210420

**vc1492a** · 12-04-2008 02:40 PM

thanks for the help guys!!!

but... my valve cover gasket was just replaced... any other ideas? or is this the definite answer?

**Dopefish** · 12-04-2008 02:58 PM

Originally Posted by vc1492a

thanks for the help guys!!!

but... my valve cover gasket was just replaced... any other ideas? or is this the definite answer?

The residue could be from before it was replaced, heating up and flowing downward on to the exhaust under spirited driving conditions. This is less than likely though so I'll suggest that you check the oil feed for the turbo (both ends) and possibly the cam seal on the front of the engine. This can be inspected by removing the upper timing cover.

**vc1492a** · 12-04-2008 03:11 PM

Originally Posted by Dopefish

The residue could be from before it was replaced, heating up and flowing downward on to the exhaust under spirited driving conditions. This is less than likely though so I'll suggest that you check the oil feed for the turbo (both ends) and possibly the cam seal on the front of the engine. This can be inspected by removing the upper timing cover.

ok thanks!

and to clarify: its not the oil thats "pouring out". its the oily white smoke itself, sort of like a wave but rising up and evaporating out of the hood. dont know if that helps.