After recently replacing the plugs, coils and valve cover gaskets I was a bit annoyed to have a significant leak develop from the drivers side valve cover. The leak was from the rear of the cover, where is easily drips down on the hot exhaust causing smoke to billow out from under the hood when stopped at lights. Those multiple runs through the gears to redline to hear the JHM exhaust sing did not help matters!
Ordered a new valve cover gasket from JHM, thinking I pinched or folded the gasket while installing. Got the cover off and the gasket looked fine. Upon further inspection I observed the VVT solenoid, installed in the rear of the head was the source of the leak. Iāve havnet seen anyone mention this leak yet so I thought I create this post. I acutally didnt know where this valve was or how it operated until now. Itās a solinoid valve that when opened allows pressurised oil to pass into the valve gears to advance the valve timing.
The VVT is located here:
And looks like this:
The single o-ring was shot, flat and hard. I opted to replace the valve, about $175 from FCP Euro, as Iām approaching 135K with my S6.
New VVT installed, valve cover reinstalled with new gasket and no more leaks.
Found a torn inner CV boot on the left front while doing this job, rebuilt Axle on order from Raxlesā¦