Mystery oil leak at exhaust monifold flange.. What can it be?

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Jan 27, 2010 | 11:52 AM

00_AvantA6

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Mystery oil leak at exhaust monifold flange.. What can it be?

I am planing to replace the exhaust downpipes and was checking the access to that area when I see OIL stains and drops on the Downpipe flange that attaches to engine's exhaust manifoldn... LEFT side.

Anyone can tell me where can this oil be leaking from ? Thanks
(was trying to see from the engine compartment but did not see anything).

(Another thing I dIscovered was torn left side inner CV boot....

IT ALWAYS AMAZES... ONE IS PLANNING TO FIX SOMETHING AND ENDS UP DOING THAT + TWO OTHER THINGS.

Jan 27, 2010 | 12:44 PM

rs4-380

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From: Maine

if you are talking about on the driver's side catalytic converter it's from the cam plug. it's an easy fix. Check the tech section for how tos

Jan 28, 2010 | 12:39 PM

00_AvantA6

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That sounds about right....

Thanks RS4,

Yes, driver's side - back side of the engine...

I removed main cover and the driver side engine side cover and no oil leak to see from top.
I moved the coolant res. and when I shine the light to the back side of the engine, then there.. right above the exhaust manifold flange (on the bottom of the rear side of the engine) there is the oil leak.

There seems to be some kind of plug and when I reach with my hand there it's oily...

Could it be possibly anything else ?

Thanks..

Jan 28, 2010 | 01:52 PM

rs4-380

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From: Maine

trust me. it's the cam plug.

there is all kinds of info about replacing it via the search and tech articles.

Jan 28, 2010 | 02:42 PM

nfs1000f

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Cam plugs are very inexpensive and take less

than 1 hr to replace. I lived with the burning oil smell for years and only researched the fix when the oil was showing up on the floor in the garage. Even the idiots at the Audi dealership couldn't solve the problem when the car was still under CPO warranty. Do some searching and you will find all you need to know.

Jan 28, 2010 | 07:07 PM

00_AvantA6

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Puncture to pry out or any other way without the special tool?

Thanks RS4 and nfs..
I did read bunch of articles and it seems the plug is only about $5.
It appears it is pressed in and most people say DO NOT oil it when putting in or just a bit of silicone.
Some say to puncture it and pry out if no special tool. Any other advice how to get it out without the VW tool?

Does is sum up the job? or am I forgetting something?

Should I do as preventive work the one on the passenger side or wait until it starts leaking too?

Thanks again for helpful info !

Jan 29, 2010 | 05:28 AM

rs4-380

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From: Maine

it is just a press fit. I found that I could remove it without taking off the valve cover, but removing the valve cover made it alot easier to get the new one back in.