Oil leak continues

[steve2003rs6]

Having sorted the two oil leaks from the transfer box and turbo oil drain pipe.
Still have small oil drips on the drive to the front near side.
The under tray remains clean and dry.
Looks like I have a very slight leak from the cam cover gaskets to the front corners on both sides.
Was going to get these done previously but parts did not arrive.
Hopefully get them sorted soon if we can obtain them.

[Weiß-sechs]

Bummer. Mine are slightly damp around the cam covers but hasn't progressed to leaving drips on the drive...yet.

[steve2003rs6]

The cam covers is the only place where I can see any form of a leak.
I really do hope replacing the gaskets cures the problem.
The drips on the new drive has been evident for some time now and it needs to be resolved.

Just called Audi.
£126 for both gaskets.
I am told the part number is
077198025A.

[Shoppinit]

Yeah, but the problem is changing them. One is an engine-out job, in theory at least.

[steve2003rs6]

Hi Ben. Just been watching videos on how to.
They can be done with engine in situ I am led to believe.
There is a pipe that needs to be manoeuvred out of the way. Damage the pipe and it’s engine out !
However it’s not a job I would attempt.
I will Leave it to the experts in Neston.
The cam cover leak on mine isn’t bad really. It looks a bit wet at the front corners. Just cannot see anywhere else where the oil drips can be coming from.
The transfer box seal is now sound. As is the turbo oil drain pipe - many thanks to unit 20.
I guess it’s find and fix until there are no more drips on the drive.
Had a bit of a smile though. The local mechanic asked if I had a private number plate on.
Didn’t believe that it was a 18 yo car.
Makes all the effort worthwhile.
However when I recently had the paintwork done. I really regret not having the front end redone.

Came across a really old thread on here. Suggested re torque of cam cover holding down bolts.
Not sure on that one. But it might be worth a try.

[Lander91]

Its really straight forward, no risk to the coolant pipe unless you sit there wiggling it back & forward. Id recommend getting inspection mirror (the small telescopic kind) just to make sure its the covers.

Lastly the one thing to look out for if you're doing it yourself, or making the talking to the technician is to keep an eye on the cover bolts in the centre (2 each side) as well as the spark plug holes. With mine there was thin slivers of corrosion sitting loose and ready to drop onto the cams etc. Blow/vacuum these holes out when the bolts are removed - before taking the cover off.

[steve2003rs6]

Many thanks lander.
I guess I will give the car a good run to get the oil temperature up. With engine still running get under the bonnet and inspect the cam cover seal in the suspect areas.
Still waiting for ramp time to get underneath for a good inspection. Hopefully very soon.
But so far the under tray has always been clean and dry.
As stated previously it isn’t a bad leak. But enough to be really annoying.

[steve2003rs6]

Just given the suspect leaking areas at the front corners of the cam covers a good clean with brake cleaner. So should be able to see any leak fairly easily now.
The cam belt is due for renewal in April next year.
Just wondering if I bite the bullet and have both jobs done at Neston.

[Capt Ric]

Steve,
Sorry you are having a run of expenses.
If you can put up with the small leak, I'd be inclined to have it done when you have the cambelt done next year.
Good luck.
Ric

[steve2003rs6]

Hi ric. I can live with it until next year. However my other half is going nuts and wants it sorted. Like yesterday.
I was hoping that the new transfer box seal and turbo oil drain pipe gasket would cure the oil leak.
No such luck.
Must admit it is making a mess of the drive.
Just waiting on Neston to get back to me.
As usual they are very busy.
And yes the last two/three years has been VERY expensive.
But at least I have the comfort of knowing that those jobs have been done and hopefully shouldn’t need doing again for quite some time.
Need to also sort out the insurance as what they would pay out is no where near enough. Considering what I have invested in the car.

[steve2003rs6]

Ok so the cam cover gaskets may not be the problem. Having cleaned both covers with brake cleaner After giving the car a good run yesterday and again this morning. Looked at it this afternoon and they are both still clean and dry.
Local mechanic suspects the oil coolers.
Soon as ramp is available we will give it a real good inspection.
Never rains it pours syndrome.

Almost at the stage where I say sod it let’s have the engine out and go to town on it. Will see what grizz recommends.

[steve2003rs6]

Just a crazy thought. Could this be the dreaded poosey pipe fault ??????
Any comments very welcome.

[Mɐʇʇ]

Nah, cos the poosey pipe carries coolant.

[steve2003rs6]

Thanks Matt. Wishful thinking on my part.
So I guess oil coolers / pipes or corroded unions are the most likely candidates.
Opportunity to Install wagners ???

[steve2003rs6]

All being well. 4 post ramp available tomorrow.
Itching to find the oil leak so we can get it sorted.
If it is the coolers. Will look at wagners.
If front end is coming off will get cam belt done at the same time.
A lot of iffs I know.