Symptoms Of Valve Cover Gasket Failure in Your VW

Do you have issues with oil dripping, or a smell like oil or even smoke coming out from beneath your Volkswagen? If so, then your vehicle could be experiencing valve cover gasket failure which is a common problem experienced in cars. This gasket is usually seated in between the valve cover of your vehicle and the cylinder head.

Often overlooked, this part of the engine has a very important role in making sure that the oil stays where it should and that everything is running smoothly. How can you tell if this gasket has failed or is about to, and where should you take your VW so that more damage is not done?

Why Does a Valve Cover Gasket Go Bad?

• Heat and Wear: Your engine produces a lot of heat and over time, this heat weakens the gasket material. Through continued usage, the gasket undergoes a series of heat and cool cycles which makes it become brittle, crack, or lose its elasticity and develop leaks.
• Improper Installation: If the gasket of your Volkswagen valve cover was not properly replaced during a previous repair it may fail soon. This is mainly due to misalignment, over-tightening, or applying insufficient torque to allow the gasket to seal and trap oil.
• Engine Vibrations: Vibrations from your engine can exert a lot of pressure on the gasket, causing it to wear out. This is especially so for older models where vibrations may have acted over time to push the gasket out of position or to have degraded its effectiveness.
• Aging: As with most other parts in a vehicle, valve cover gaskets are also known to deteriorate with time as the vehicle ages. The rubber or composite material they are made from degrades with time, especially where the car has been used for many years or the service intervals are stretched.

Signs of Valve Cover Gasket Defects

• Oil Leaks: The first indication that the gasket has worn out is when there is oil coming out from the engine. There might be oil falling down on the floor below your car or stains, which are oily, around the valve cover.
• Burning Oil Smell: If oil spills on hot parts of the engine such as the exhaust manifold, it will make a distinct smell of burning oil. It is usually the first sign of a problem and requires an inspection as soon as possible.
• Low Oil Levels: A damaged valve cover gasket will lead to oil leakage and your engine oil level will be low more often than usual. If you discover that you are topping up the oil so often, then there is a possibility that the cause is a leak in the gasket or some other similar problem.
• Engine Misfires: When oil drips from a failing valve cover gasket and enters the spark plug wells it can disrupt the spark plug’s function. This can lead to rough running, engine stalling, obvious lack of power, rough idle, or misfire. Responding to this problem as soon as possible is key to avoiding worsening engine complications.
• Smoke From the Engine Bay: Anytime oil leak make their way into the hot areas of the engine they tend to produce smoke which one might see arising from the engine. This is a major sign that your vehicle needs attention because if you continue driving it, you will end up escalating the problem or even exposing your car to a fire risk.
• Dirty Engine Bay: A gasket that is leaking causes the engine bay to have a lot of oil on it or become greasy. Besides, it gives the appearance of the engine area being unorganized and messy; it also tends to attract dirt and other particles, and as time goes on, the particles accumulate and cause more harm to the other parts of the engine.

Best Volkswagen Specialists in Oldwick Village

If your VW is suffering from any of the symptoms mentioned above, do not delay in taking it to an expert! Here at Oldwick Village Garage, we are experts when it comes to repairing valve cover gasket problems in Volkswagen. Our highly professional technicians will check your VW and make it ready for a safe ride using the best quality spare parts and diagnostic tools. If you reside in or around Oldwick Village or Tewksbury, NJ, we are your best bet for all things Volkswagen. Call today and make an appointment to have your VW fixed as soon as possible!