Valve Cover Leaking Oil

[dazza]

Since my DIY on the cam chain, tensioner and adjustor. I'm getting a trace of oil from the back corner of the valve cover near where the two pipes are connected. I've checked the torque on the bolts.

The leak seems to be right where a bot is. One bolt is also rusted??

I wasn't to bothered at first having never had to top up the oil before. But i've gone from max to half way on the dipstick recently.

[th3_f15t]

Possible gasket failure? If a bolt has corroded then chances are its taken any gaskets/seals with it.

[dazza]

The bolt was corroded when i changed the seal. I don't really feel like pulling it again. The two pipes at the back were a PITA. Unless i can leave them attached and just replace the seal?

[th3_f15t]

Always worth a try, but sadly I don't think life will be on your side again for this job... :(

[dazza]

So you think i should give the a good clean, replace a gasket and the corroded bolt?

[th3_f15t]

Yeah, and check the valve cover itself for any cracks. Could of been damaged when you refitted it? Wonder about maybe using VCDS or something to check oil pressure, and see if you can feel air leaks from around the area where there is oil?

[dazza]

The thing is there is no oil dripping down the back of the cover. But when i touch the join i get a trace of oil. I will get it done. I'm sure it will be easier than last time.

[th3_f15t]

The thing is there is no oil dripping down the back of the cover. But when i touch the join i get a trace of oil. I will get it done. I'm sure it will be easier than last time.

I would guess at some sort of hairline crack that allows oil under pressure to seep through then, but I'm no mechanic so it's only a guess.

[dazza]

So the little oil leak has now reached the floor.

Pulled the valve cover. So that didn't seal very well.

Options?

[dazza]

Cleaned everything up the new gasket is in.

Valve cover bolts tourqed to 10NM?

I could not get the jubilee clip i got from VW to fit. There is not enough space to slide it down the pipe then back over once its on. (see pic the large pipe at the back with the tissue in.)

[dazza]

All finished hopefully i've done a better job than last time.

[th3_f15t]

Keep an eye out and see if it reappears. Hopefully not.

[doylebros]

The last one I done of those covers required a few of the bolts replaced as it had a combined seal and the oil was passing the bolt not the cover gasket.

[dazza]

Thanks guys i replaced the 5 bolts at the back. And gave everything a good clean.

But the head felt rough in places.

Going to give the engine bay a good clean next week. Will probably try and clean the mess from underneath also.

[dazza]

The valve cover is still leaking from the back. Around the second and third bolt from the left not sure on the first bolt as i can't get at it.

These bolts are new. I don't get it. WTF am i doing wrong??