2001 Audi A6 2.7T

I know that with the age of this car, the valve cover gasket and cam tensioner seals are most likely the culprit. Before I purchased the car, when I made them do the timing belt service, they also changed the tensioner seals, but don't remember anything about valve cover gasket.

I smell this usually within 5 minutes of warming the car up and there's definitely a fine white mist of smoke that appears regularly but not always. Naturally, driving negates the smell especially if I turn on the 'cabin-only' circulation.

Main question is, if it *is* the valve cover leaking, will it still be fine to drive the car ~600 miles total this holiday as long as the oil level is kept in check? I've had a mechanic tell me there was a slow oil leak before and not to worry about it unless it really bothered me. I doubt it's the same problem

11/25/2008 10:15:45 AM

yes, small oil leak should be fine. keep a check on the oil level and take a quart just in case i guess.

11/25/2008 11:23:37 AM

Yup. As long as it's not leaking like a sieve, you can drive safely with a slow leak. Just carry a quart as ^ said, or two quarts if you think that might be merited. If you're not sure how fast it's leaking, it would be prudent to check your oil every time you stop for gas/food/restroom/whatever to get a baseline on the rate.

[Edited on November 25, 2008 at 3:32 PM. Reason : My car in HS had oil leaks at the rear main seal and both head gaskets, never caused any major issue]

11/25/2008 3:31:35 PM

why would a valve cover gasket fail in 7 years?

11/25/2008 6:18:22 PM

^Please tell me you jest. I hope to not be that obtuse.

7 years is plenty long for them to get hard as a rock and start leaking.

11/25/2008 10:13:52 PM

most likely the cam chain tensioner gasket, which is directly below the valve cover gasket. shouldnt be too bad, but it will most likely get worse.

you should be fine on the drive, most leaks there (unless major) wont cause a huge loss of oil, but i would check it often just to make sure.

and i should have those in stock if you're looking for a new one (or two) but replacing them is somewhat involved

[Edited on November 25, 2008 at 11:09 PM. Reason : .]

11/25/2008 11:07:48 PM

beethead I've definitely been wanting you to take a long look over my car, I would just need to figure out how to leave it with you since I'm usually in Greenville. Also, I'm a little scared how to budget for what you might find.

11/26/2008 5:07:08 PM