I just purchased a '98 A6 quattro and noticed a couple of small puddles of oil in the drive way - is it common for this motor to have an oil leak? (I used to have a LT1 Trans Am and it was common for them to have an oil leak - didn't know if it was the same case here or not).

Thanks!

 

ok, so I just got a chance to go shine a flashlight under the car and there is oil all over the bottom of the car. Is there a certain area that these might be prone to developing oil leaks or a particular problem with the 2.8 motors that this could be?

 

Cam seals, valve cover gaskets, oil level sender, valve cover gasket and the oil pan are all known to leak. So yes, the 2.8 is known for its leaks. Very reliable engine, just can't holds its oil.

Jeff

 

most common are the cam adjuster seals or valve covers
sometimes misdiagnosed as one or the other.

even if you don't have a leak, its probably best to change these out before 80k

 

Just had all those replaced.

 

Did the left one but not the right. The gskets from audi are like $60 each but VAST has a really nice kit. Audi wants about $180 in labor for each valve cover

 

so at 180k plus it should probably be done

looks like it might be from the oil pan but not quite sure...mainly driver side of the car though...

 

Sometimes the bolts break or lossen, so you may need to buy a torque wrench and an Audi shop manual CD. Sometimes, the crankshaft and camshaft seals need replacing. Sometimes the head gaskets fail. You can use "google" to find almost any part or tool. Be sure to have another car before you begin any repair. The leaking oil may have been the reason the car was sold. It is called defered maintenance. The Audi requires special tools, which are listed in the repair manual.

 

I just replaced the VC gaskets (3rd time) as well as Camshaft tensioner gaskets and half moons. I still have a leak....what should I replace now?

 

You should double check the back of the gaskets with a small mechanics mirror and make absolutely sure you didn't pinch the gasket. Its a common mistake among techs, if you get it wrong it will leak for sure. If you get it right, you should be leak free for about 60K.