fullspan

I just got my valve cover gasket changes by an independent mechanic. unfortunately, job was not done that great. I am not sure but i guess, that guy who i got gasket installed from, might didn't set it right or forgot to apply seal at that corner. should I get it open and set the gasket and apply sealant (apply more sealant if already) or just get whole new gasket and redone whole job?
2nd. i am showing two holes, anyone knows what are those for? Is there any bolt or screw that should be in them. I dont trust mechanics, so wanted to make sure.
It was real challenge to take the picture , i removed the coolant reservoir and then from took picture from an angle. hehehe
This is audi a6 1999.

Audi42LV8

Just get a new valve cover gasket kit. It comes with new seals, gaskets, and other stuff. Quick and easy fix for real cheap.

4Driver4

Nothing goes in the holes. That thing in the picture is the cam plug; there is one on each side.

Are you sure that the VCG is the only leak? VCG leaks are far less common than cam adjuster leaks. That might be the real problem.

fullspan

If you are reffering to that black round plastic thing then NO, its not leaking. I took my time and made sure where the oil was dripping from. oil comes from the curve of cylinder shown in the picture.

nashmd454

I have noticed a smell of oil burning lately...I checked underneath and saw residue from the driver side of engine but it looks high like the back of the valve cover. I am unable to pinpoint it due to the coolant tank and so on in the way. I was planning on taking the covers off (detail them up) and change out the gaskets any way. Any tricks to this?

fullspan

Changing only gaskets should be really easy. just remove coolant reservior out of the way and unplugging the spark plugs wires should give you plenty of room. Small ranceht would be needed.
Only thing, I was worried about that cap I shoed in the picture. My tech was saying that he might need to remove the cam-shaft in order to replace that. I doubt it. It was not leaking so I didn't stress.
Does anyone know how to change that cap?
Thanks

4Driver4

No tricks to swapping the covers, but keep in mind that most leaks are not the valve cover gaskets. Most leaks are the caps, seals, or cam adjuster seals. If the oil leak is significant, you might want to track in down so you can incorporate the fix into the cover project.

nashmd454

thanks for the heads up...I will egt all new seals and gaskets and do the entire job at once.