das60

The 3.2 fsi has no arc's on the VCG's. The valve covers seal on a cam girdle which is essentially a frame to support the cams. No need for silicon. The key tool is a small socket with a low profile T-20 bit to get at the bolt on the lower driver's side front corner. Mouthful, it is under the spark plug wires. 9nm for the bolts. Make certain the washers still have some flex to them.

Sallad

...funny, in my head I was thinking, where these half moon shapes people posted about... they are completely flat.

hhegedus

Are you saying that you have not had any oil leaks from the valve covers in spite of (mostly) reusing the original valve cover bolts? I'm guessing the engineers at Audi designed the bolts with a rubber grommet to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction as the engine heats up and cools down repeatedly. Rubber parts generally shrink and harden over time from heat, which diminishes its elasticity. I would just replace them without question were it not for their high cost.

hhegedus

Follow up question posted above

das60

I have reused my bolts, once at about 70k miles and a second time at 134k miles. I am now at 156k miles with no issues. 9nm is the torque and the grommets seemed flexible at 132k miles. For heavens sake, when you are in there, replace the rubber o-rings on the 4 cam solenoids. They are $0.50 each and I remain convinced that the life of the timing chain tensioner is directly related to the oil feed through these solenoids.

Sallad

How can it leak from the bolts, the gasket goes completely around the bolt

hhegedus

Thanks very much, das60 for your reply and esp for the tip about the cam solenoid o-rings!

kelisko

Yes, no oil leaks and it's been years since my first job and months since my second job. My engine bay has never been dryer.

Like Sallad said above, the valve cover gaskets already have seals for the bolts so that is covered. And again, the washer is not just rubber. It is a harder material resembling truck tire material. I believe they integrated it because the valve covers are plastic. These would prevent the bolts from sitting directly on the plastic cover which could cause cracking when torqued down.

Replacing them wouldn't hurt. It's just not necessary if the heads aren't stripped.

theteju

Can someone please guide me what is the part number or aftermarket O-rings I can buy to replace these o-rings? Audi dealer wants $27 for each o-ring!!! There are two solenoid on each bank. I need four of them. the price seems outrageous to me.
My Vehicle, 2012 Audi Q5 with 3.2l FSI engine, 6 sp automatic , S-line Quadro.

Thanks Guys.

raj99

@theteju have you looked at sourcing them from: Search Results | Genuine Audi Parts