I have an oil leak from the back of my engine, and was told by the mechanic it is a head gasket. The valve cover was just done 8k ago, the mechanic isnt out to just make a buck. He told me he isnt comfortable doing it himself since he hasnt done any on the 1.8t before. Is headgasket common? Any diys

 

YOu might wanna clean up the area first to see where it is coming from first. If you had a bad head gasket, you would most likely start seeing coolent in your cyl and/or oil.

 

I did clean off the area, and just sitting still it developed a drip overnight. I heard its very uncommon for the 1.8t to blow this

 

Yes, i saw your thread on vortex. It really is uncommon for a stock gasket to go. I would check the engine for the location and if it cant be found, check the coolent ball for discoloration and the oil for coolent. Its not uncommon however for someone to misinstall the valve cover gasket and develop a leak. Not saying he is a bad machanic, just that it has happened

 

it seems after taking off the timing cover it could be a mis installed valve cover, because feeling the passenger rear corner there is oil. So guess ill bring it back to the shop to have it done again. Does the gasket have to be replaced again? if mis intalled or just sealed correctly?

 

Meanaudi reused his again since his was basically brand new. I personally would use a new one if there was an issue with the install the first time.

 

Did they just replace the valve cover gasket? Another common leak is at the cam chain tensioner, and is a bit of a PITA to change. Any chance they "skimped" and didn't change it? It usually comes in the package with the gasket, but if they don't know 1.8T engines, maybe they thought it was just "packaging"? ; )

 

+1
On my 01 225 I had a leak here too. Mine was "grooved" as well from the chain so it needed to be replaced. I had it changed out when the valve cover gasket/TB/WP was replaced.

 

yea its 1 in the morning and i can find the back two screws for the valve cover. I found the back 1 on the passengerside but where are the others?

 

should be one on the left, one in the center and one on the right corner. kinda down over the edge of the cover, just like how they are in the front.