Detected Oil Leak Near Oil Filter Housing Area (2004 Audi A6 C5 3.0L)

[arjun90]

I was just about to do an oil change today until I noticed an oil leak near the oil filter housing area. I tried to trace the source of the leak, but haven't gotten to removing the timing belt covers just yet. The timing belt was changed along with valve cover gaskets (again), thermostat, seals, pulleys, water pump, serpentine belt, tensioners---last year, September, 2015.

From Day 1, after getting the timing belt service done, the car made an obnoxious sound (whine) whenever accelerated, and decelerated to complete stop; sound also seemed to correspond to anytime the AC was turned on and off, as well as changing channels on the radio --- strange. I figured the PCV valve had to be changed, and replaced it, problem solved.

Lately, the car has done more local runs than driving on the express-way. Occasionally, the windshield fogs up even when the weather outside is pleasant.
The car has had the tendency to consume oil (before and after the timing belt service was done). It's been close to 5,000 miles, and I'm reluctant to proceed with the oil change before I figure the leak out.

I'm hoping none of my recent experiences have a link to what I detected today.

Coming back to the oil change, I enclosed pictures of what I've been seeing. Also note the sludge buildup on the Oil Cap. Again, lots of short-runs, local driving, after cold-startup, perhaps that would explain the sludge on the cap. Other than, would like to know if the oil leak is something which can be resolved. I didn't see any leak around the valve cover gaskets (though I haven't pulled off the timing belt covers yet).

153,000 Miles

[arjun90]

- - - Updated - - -

Note: the 3.0L doesn't have Camshaft Chain Tensioner Gaskets

[arjun90]

Note: the 3.0L doesn't have Camshaft Chain Tensioner Gaskets

I also had a whine sound issue related to the Power Steering. I tightened the clamp which secures the the power steering hose, and the sound disappeared. However, there was power steering fluid reservoir. I'm sure it isn't this fluid which is situated on the oil filter.

[arjun90]

I also found a piece of broken wiring (copper) below the alternator near the oil pan, not sure if this could have any relation or perhaps an isolated issue,



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[arjun90]

Removed the Timing Belt Cover and couldn't find anything out of the ordinary. Would like to hear feedback. Thanks

[Dubious]

Can only comment on the oil cap sludge. This can be attributed to short runs + cooler weather. This occured on my 2.0T in the winter. A long drive or good warmup and sludge should self resolve.

[julex]

If you're concerned about sludge, you should check out any of older BMW engines, I had so much of that that it was outright scary but the same exact thing across all thre BMWs we owner so it is just normal thing during winter time.

[arjun90]

Thanks for confirming about the sludge. Apart from the sludge, what's the best way to approach the presence of oil near and around the oil filter housing? Should I proceed with the oil change as originally planned and keep checking thereafter? I did clean up the area, and haven't seen any residual oil in the last couple of days.

If you're concerned about sludge, you should check out any of older BMW engines, I had so much of that that it was outright scary but the same exact thing across all thre BMWs we owner so it is just normal thing during winter time.