Bad Valve Cover or just gaskets?

A6 All/ S6 All
#1

Took my car to a mechanic to troubleshoot white smoke coming up from the front passenger side windshield area and into the cabin when the air is on. Performance is not affected whatsoever just white smoke and smell when you come to a stop. This all started after pushing the car hard.

They told me my valve cover is visibly warped, I think it’s made of aluminum so it could be possible… just wondering if anyone had to replace the valve cover as opposed to just the gasket? If yes do you replace in pairs or just the damaged side? They’re about $500 each side the driver side is readily available but the passenger side is hard to find.

#2

The valve covers on the V10 are plastic.

Did the smoke have an oil or coolant smell?

#3

As mentioned the valve covers are not really made of a component that should not warp…

Not only that but the valve convers are bolted to the cylinder heads and the chance of something bolted to something else warping isn’t great unless the cylinder heads are warped or somehow something was pulling up on the valve cover.

So I don’t think there is a strong need for a replacement. Now keep in mind one of the valve covers has an update to help with the spark plug seals. On the passenger side. This is why the passenger side is so hard to find because it’s the updated side.

I would think its just valve cover gaskets as that is very common. That and the camshaft actuator can leak as well. Check the PCV system that can cause a bit of a smell of that is weeping.

#4

Doesn’t have the typical oil leak scent more like fumes Or steam from hot liquid. This is my first time dealing with this so I can’t say for sure it is coolant.

#5

Keep tabs on the oil and coolant amount. Over the next several weeks if there is a burning of one of them it should show itself in a consumption of either oil or coolant.

Either way It is always good to do maintenance and valve cover gaskets are going to be one of those things. If your not doing the work youself you might not be able to see what is going on. But changing the valve cover gaskets will require you get into the motor deep enough that you should be able to look around and see any spot something is dripping from

Either way. If oil or coolant is dripping and burning on something you should be able to look in the back corner of that area and see some sort of residue… might be worth a look

#6

Thanks Justin based on your first point it’s an oil leak, my coolant level has finally been consistent (knock on wood) for months now but my oil level is always dropping to the point where i get low oil level warning and i have to add oil.
My mechanic is adamant that my valve cover is warped some how and that’s where the leak is coming form, he also told me that the VW beetle inline 5 valve cover may fit so they’re going to order a pair and see how everything lines up. It’s half the price so if it works i’ll just do it, if it doesn’t fit then i’ll try my luck with only replacing the gaskets and hope for the best.

#7

Doesn’t look the same to me.

Link: https://www.europaparts.com/valve-cover-07k103469m.html

#8

Agreed…and not even close to be honest, unless there’s another VW/Audi inline 5 that i’m not aware of.

#9

When they replace the valve cover make sure they give you your old one. There is just no way something bolted down that can warp like that

#10

Justin you were correct in your initial response. It was my camshaft actuator O-ring. I ended up only replace the passenger side valve cover gaskets and the O-rings.

Camshaft Actuator O-ring Replacement

#11

Hey…score one for the good guys.

Props to you for the follow up.

Consider going to the original post and adding an update for anyone searching for these issues.