sabresfan

I had the valve cover gaskets replaced to fix a rather obnoxious leak. The replacement fix most of the leak but now it is leaking from the front driver's side corner. I had the mechanic redo it and it did not fix the problem. I know the 2.8L is notorious for valve cover leaks. Is the front corner typical for this problem. Is there a "trick" to remedy this? Is it possible the cover itself is slightly warped causing the leak?

Any help would be appreciated.

4Driver4

This really isn't true. When was the last time the cam adjuster seals were replaced?

slowguy

I did my cam seals and valve cover gaskets as well. Although much better, there is still a very slight leak. It really makes me angry that I didn't do the job as well as I thought at the time, because I had everything (including the front of the car) torn apart. Knowing my luck, it has something to do with the cam seals and I will have to pull the cam timing sprockets, thereby, necessitating the removal of the front of the car again (lock carrier position). What a pain.

In actuality, I am considering purchasing a used motor, rebuilding it to my specs in my free time, and then swapping that in when the turbos go. I will include new turbos, and an updated tranny at the same time. There will be NO leaks then!.

4Driver4

I think your problem is probably related to things you didn't replace. What do you mean by "cam seals". If you really mean cam seals, I would say that the leak is more like cam adjuster seals; if you mean cam adjuster seals, I would suggest you check cam seals and cam plugs.

As for the engine you are building, it may be a long, long time before you need it. Turbo failures are not common in the 2.7 C5.

slowguy

I replaced all the seals, the little half moon seals and the round camshaft seals. I think I just didn't clean enough at the corners of the valve covers...don't know for sure yet. But I think it is much better than it was. Will just have to do it again in the summer. Will live with it for now.

I didn't know that about the turbos. I was under the impression that failure was a given. I like being prepared...but if not, then fantastic!

Huskerbob

When you did the valve covers did you use black RTV on the corners and allow it to cure for 24 hours? If not, that would be the first thing I would look at.

98Quattro

If you haven't already, replace the cam plugs. There are two on the engine one at the back of each cam. I have a similar leak after replacing valve cover gaskets and verified with my indie that the half moons and camchain tensioner gaskets are not leaking. Those plugs in the back of the engine are bad.....really aweful design by Audi.

Prospeeder

Your wasting your time just putting valve cover gasket on. Need to do Rear cam plugs, Chain tensioners and valve covers. Need to put small amount of silicone on both corners of the halfmoon on the tensioner, and need to put small amount of silicone on every mating corner of the valve cover and the big V portion, and then place the gasket, then do the gasket corners and install.

divil

+1 and make sure you put it on the corners on BOTH the top and bottom of the gasket. I replaced every replaceable seal and had leaks again within a matter of months. Using RTV in the above manner and giving it 24 hours to dry seemed to fix it.