Help - oil leak w/ pic

teleidaho · 10-06-2011, 12:31 PM

New to the forum and have a question. Have a 2001 AWM 1.8t. I have an oil leak as shown in the photo with the arrow. Does this mean I need a new cam adjuster? or some issue with PCV system? My cam adjuster/tensioner does make some noise on cold starts until oil pressure builds... maybe 15-20 seconds... but I understand this is normal? Otherwise there is very little cam chain noise. Any other possibilities? Its not the valve cover or tensioner gaskets. Thanks!

teleidaho · 10-14-2011, 07:58 PM

No thoughts? Im assuming there is no way to access this seal that is leaking (below/at the bottom of) the solenoid? Ive seen where the O-ring at the solenoid itself was replaced but not on the other end. Anyone else have a leak similar to this? I have just replaced all the vacuum lines and will be replacing/cleaning the PCV system next. Ive noticed no change in oil level in the past 400 miles nor signs of diesel like chatter except on cold starts as noted above. The burnt oil smell is just really annoying. I guess my next project will be to replace the tensioner and do an autopsy of the old one. Shame since the PO just had the TB/valve cover/tensioner gaskets done about 5K miles ago. Anyone recommend a good source for a cam tensioner?
Thanks,
Colin

teleidaho · 11-13-2011, 07:38 AM

Update: Not having time or motivation to dig out the cam tensioner I thought Id experiment a bit first. I found a stainless washer that fit the "button" created on the bottom of the solenoid and attached it to that area with permatex high temp. Ive got about 300 miles on it now and no more leak. Youd never see it if I didnt tell you it was there and appears to have successfully created a new outer o-ring for the solenoid. 5 minute fix and the wife doesnt complain about the burnt oil smell anymore

Prospeeder · 11-19-2011, 11:01 PM

I just did one of these. all you need to do is remove the valve cover, install a little tool to compress the tensioner and remove the tensioner bolts, pry up the tensioner, it only moves up just enough to get the old gasket out, try and clean it up, and pick out the rubber half moon, reinstall. I do them on 2.7T/2.8/1.8T's at work now again. They always leak

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10-14-2011, 07:58 PM	#2
teleidaho AudiWorld Newcomer 2001 Audi A4 Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 5	No thoughts? Im assuming there is no way to access this seal that is leaking (below/at the bottom of) the solenoid? Ive seen where the O-ring at the solenoid itself was replaced but not on the other end. Anyone else have a leak similar to this? I have just replaced all the vacuum lines and will be replacing/cleaning the PCV system next. Ive noticed no change in oil level in the past 400 miles nor signs of diesel like chatter except on cold starts as noted above. The burnt oil smell is just really annoying. I guess my next project will be to replace the tensioner and do an autopsy of the old one. Shame since the PO just had the TB/valve cover/tensioner gaskets done about 5K miles ago. Anyone recommend a good source for a cam tensioner? Thanks, Colin

11-13-2011, 07:38 AM	#3
teleidaho AudiWorld Newcomer 2001 Audi A4 Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 5	Update: Not having time or motivation to dig out the cam tensioner I thought Id experiment a bit first. I found a stainless washer that fit the "button" created on the bottom of the solenoid and attached it to that area with permatex high temp. Ive got about 300 miles on it now and no more leak. Youd never see it if I didnt tell you it was there and appears to have successfully created a new outer o-ring for the solenoid. 5 minute fix and the wife doesnt complain about the burnt oil smell anymore

11-19-2011, 11:01 PM	#4
Prospeeder AudiWorld Senior Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Aug 2011 Posts: 837	I just did one of these. all you need to do is remove the valve cover, install a little tool to compress the tensioner and remove the tensioner bolts, pry up the tensioner, it only moves up just enough to get the old gasket out, try and clean it up, and pick out the rubber half moon, reinstall. I do them on 2.7T/2.8/1.8T's at work now again. They always leak