clouds_aflame

I'm going to be replacing my valve cover gaskets soon, as they are leaking pretty bad, and the oil is messing with the spark plugs.

I'm wondering if there's anything else I should be doing while I'm in there? Other gaskets or the like? I figure if there's other preventative stuff I can do at the same time, it would probably be a good idea.

Any suggestions would be very much appreciated! Thanks!



Alex
00 A4 1.8T Q

sergey_f13

Just do what you have to do and dont worry about fixing things that are not broken. Valve cover gasket is easy to get to anyways so don't complicate it more than you have to. You will have more leaks later, you will address it then

clouds_aflame

Yea but if you fix things that aren't broken YET, you save yourself A LOT of money in the long run. I've learned this lesson many, many times. Preventative maintenance is the best possible way to spend your money when it comes to a car. I don't want to spend 10 times more when something actually breaks.

sergey_f13

Alright if you wanna put it that way then, since you there you can change crankshaft seals. But I'm telling you it's very common to have leaky valve cover gasket and that's all you need to do.

if something else starts to leak.... then I'm sure couple drop of oil from the top will not cause MAJOR problem.

I'd recommend changing valve cover gasket, clean the engine and check for other leaks if any.

sergey_f13

Alright if you wanna put it that way then, since you there you can change crankshaft seals. But I'm telling you it's very common to have leaky valve cover gasket and that's all you need to do.

if something else starts to leak.... then I'm sure couple drop of oil from the top will not cause MAJOR problem.

I'd recommend changing valve cover gasket, clean the engine and check for other leaks if any.

clouds_aflame

Thanks for the info!

What's the best way to go about cleaning the engine?

Corrado_Guy

There are always things you can do, if your mileage is getting up there you can replace the cam chain tensioner on the back of the head. These both wear and leak and it will need to be replaced at some point. While you have the covers off look for any other leaks and correct those and try to clean as much of the leaks up as you can. I don't use pressure washers personally because they can damage things really easily so it is always clean by hand. Make sure all of the vacuum hoses are in good shape and that the intake system is leak free. Unless you see a problem there isn't really too much more you could do to eliminate further problems.

I always go the extra mile and replace all of the wear items when the car is apart whether it needs it or not. I am doing the timing belt on mine shortly so I bought all new o-rings for the cooling system, all belts, tensioners, and rollers, plus a thermostat and complete coolant pump, as well as a valve cover gasket and cam chain tensioner and gaskets with a poly snub-nose bushing. If I am going to put the car down for a bit I may as well get as much done as I can so I won't have to take it apart again a short period later.

jordon

iTrader: (1)

I just changed my valve cover gasket last week... No more burning oil smell or oil on the plugs!
At the same time I changed my fuel filter (not really a related job, I know....)
anyway, make sure you have some cleaner to clean the valve cover - I didn't have any when I did mine, so I put it back dirty. I will be seafoaming and flushing next week anyway though.
While you are in the area, though, you may want to clean your throttle body....

Here are some pics with mine off ('03 A4 with 154,000 km)

mksu19

DIY Fuel injector cleaner and system build-up cleaner AKA Seafoam

Might be a good thread for you and clouds_aflame (or anyone else in this thread) to check out!

jordon

iTrader: (1)

Nice link, Mona!
I posted up the method I use on that thread just now, as I have probably used seafoam more than most members here (I use it all the time in my taxis)... It really is great stuff!