Valve cover bolt leaking?

[ShelbyM3]

2011 S4 6MT with 37,xxx miles. I was just giving things a once over and noticed on my driver's side valve cover that one of the bolts has oil around it and looks like it's run down the valve cover.
Yes I've searched.
Anyone had similar issue? Wondering if the seal on the bolt is bad and I can replace just the one, or if I'd have to replace the whole valve cover gasket and bolt/all hardware?

Thanks.








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[LYKUNO]

Given its proximity to the oil fill cap, I'm wondering if what appears to be a leak is nothing more than a bit of oil spilled while refilling the oil or topping it off. Have you already tried to wipe the residual oil away with a clean rag, and then see if it reappears around the bolt?

[ShelbyM3]

Yes, I tried cleaning it. It's a hard area to get to, given the proximity of the coolant reservoir. I haven't changed my oil in like 4 months. Didn't notice anything then and cleaned up any spills, but I used a funnel.


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[$nooze]

had this on by b7 a4, needed to change the gasket. im also in the same boat with my s4, going to do both valve cover gaskets

[ShelbyM3]

I've changed a couple B7 A4's myself. Was kinda thinking the same thing. Thanks $nooze!


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[$nooze]

i wonder if the 3.0t has that same issue with the valve cover separating the channels leading to burning of oil and carbon build up. potentially have to get a new gasket as well as valve cover?

[Thurston]

i wonder if the 3.0t has that same issue with the valve cover separating the channels leading to burning of oil and carbon build up. potentially have to get a new gasket as well as valve cover?

just curious, and i'm sure this is one hell of a rabbit hole and/or there will be that person who chimes in to say " all cars experience it " but never in my life have I ever heard of "carbon buildup" being an issue. I know it's not prevalent w/ the 3.0t but what's the deal with that? Why is that an Audi thing?

Also, Op good eye. I have oil in the exact same spot but fortunately I can see where it rolled down via the oil insert spot.

[fitzydude]

Mine is starting to fail in the same area, it looks like it's leaking on to the spark plugs.

[timzcat]

All cars experience carbon buildup from crankcase ventilation, valve overlap and valve stem seals. The difference is DI which means there is no fuel to wash the valve and it also negates the use of techron to break down the carbon on the valve.

[Thurston]

Thanks for the quick and painless synopsis

[DUMPMOUT]

I have the same in my s4. I've seen it on multiple b8 s4's. I feel like it's fairly common

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[ShelbyM3]

Have any of you addressed the issue and if so what'd you do?


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