Does your Audi leave oil spots on your driveway or do you sense the smell of burning oil under the hood of the car? If so, you may have a valve cover gasket leak and may need to get it fixed immediately. There are often reports of excessive oil leakage from valve covers as Audi cars grow older and, as this oil drips down, it is burned on the hot engine parts. If not fixed early enough this may cause fouled spark plugs, very high oil consumption, and in the worst scenario engine damage. To stop the leak and complications, the leaky gaskets and seals have to be changed. Here is an outline of the procedures for diagnosing and correcting Audi valve cover oil leaks.
Why Do Audis Develop Valve Cover Oil Leaks?
A valve cover in your Audi serves the purpose of shielding your engine parts as well as preventing oil from going where it is not supposed to. Nevertheless, with time, the gasket, which can be described as a rubber piece forming a seal between the valve cover and the engine head, may develop some problems, and this results in oil dripping out. Here are a few common causes of valve cover oil leaks:
- Aging Gaskets: The gasket can dry out, crack, or shrink over time and this will result in leakage. These are usual in old models and cars that are always exposed to hot temperatures as in the case of high-performance Audi automobiles.
- Improper Installation: Sometimes, if the valve cover or the gasket has not been properly replaced during a previous repair job then it may leak more. Valve cover requires proper alignment and the right torque when tightening the bolts in order to ensure that they do not leak.
How to Repair a Valve Cover Oil Leak in Your Audi
- Remove Old Gasket: First, find the valve cover and then use the socket wrench to take all the bolts that are used to hold the cover. Since some bolts may vary in size or placement you have to keep track of each bolts so as to avoid confusing their positions. Once the valve cover has been removed you will find the old gasket sticking to the valve cover or the head of the engine. Gently pull it off and ensure that no gasket or seal residues are left behind. Wipe the valve cover and the engine head with a degreaser or an oil-resistant cleaner in order to prepare the surface for the new gasket.
- Install the New Gasket: Put the new gasket and place it on the valve cover correctly. It is important to ensure that the gaskets fit well into the groove. Some mechanics may just put a thin coat of sealant to ensure that the gasket is well positioned and the seal is even better. Do not over-apply the sealant since it hampers the functioning of the drain due to blockage by the excess sealants.
- Reattach the Valve Cover: Place the valve cover back on the engine head ensuring that the bolts make the right contact with the necessary holes. Each bolt should be tightened up to a specific torque and this should be done in a cross-like pattern so that pressure is evenly distributed over the gasket. Do not over-tighten because this will create pressure on the gasket, and it will get damaged soon.
- Test the Repair: Once everything has been reassembled then start the engine and allow for about five minutes of idling. Look for any new signs that indicate leaks around the valve cover. Go for a small spin with your Audi and double-check once again. This step is very useful to ensure the repair’s success and identify any problems on time.
Why Choose Momentum Motorworks For Your Audi’s Oil Leak Repairs
Momentum Motorworks is a premier auto 
service center that offers complete European car services including fixing oil leak issues in different Audi models. Our team is aware of the general problems commonly faced by Audi, BMW, and Mercedes car owners so we use sophisticated methods in diagnosing the common problems and repair them with a lot of precision.
We have been serving drivers in Birmingham, AL for the past 2 decades and we also make sure to cater to those from neighboring areas such as Vestavia, Homewood, Helena, Mountain Brook, Hoover, and Alabaster, AL. When you need a thorough fix and a long-lasting solution for the problems in your vehicle, we are here to assist you in making your Audi run optimally. If you want dependable service and your car treated well by a professional team, call us today.