Valve cover gasket replacement and Camshaft seal (aka Cam adjuster seal)
 

Hey guys,
I was going to start replacing my valve cover gasket and asked a local expert Audi mechanic friend about any advice and he suggested that I replace the cam adjuster seal as well. I'm not too clear on all the seals and it sounds like some of them sound the same. I have yet to order the parts and see that Autohausaz has the cheapest prices.

Anyhow, is the Cam adjuster seal the same as the camshaft seal? I'd appreciate it if someone could clarify this for me and let me know if it is indeed convenient to replace the camshaft seal while I am doing the valve cover gasket. Also, I couldn't find a DIY for our Audi 1.8T engines but did find a few on the Volkswagens. Are there any special procedures that I need to follow?

He is talking about the 1/2 moon shape peice with another gasket. As far as i know, they are only on cars with VVT since my block doesnt have one and my brothers 03 passat did. So you just need the valve cover gasket

Got it. I guess it is part of a set of seals for the cam tensioner gasket set.

It was only $3.xx on Autohausaz.com so I ordered it anyhow just in case I ever needed (or not needed it).
It was part of a gasket set called the "Timing Chain Gasket; Gasket Set for Camshaft Adjuster Unit".

Thats the set. The non vvt cars dont even have the recessed part for that fitting which is nice because those things leak like crazy when they start to go bad

every engine w/a cam, has a cam seal

All 1.8t, 2.8, and 2.7Bi Ts all have cam tensioner seals.

and they all leak... and its not an easy job for someone working out of their driveway

I am looking at replacing valve cover gaskts on my '99 2.8 A6, I had my timing belt done about 6 months ago, he should have done the cam seals then right? I'm leaking oil like crazy and I'm pretty sure it's the v-cover gaskets judging by where the oil is. Assuming I don't have to do the cam seals, is this a driveway job? Looks like I can get to them fairly easily. Any special tips for 2.8 30valve?

This might help: http://www.robsaudiworld.com/2.8camseal.htm

How much would the labor run for this to be done?

Just for comparison, the local "stealership" wanted $477 for parts and labor for the valve cover gasket, cam tensioner gasket, and labor.

It is easy to do.... Not as easy as the valve cover gasket, but not much worse.

It should get about an hour of shop time. Actually, I can do it in an hour and I'm not a mechanic. My dad (who was a really good mechanic) used to call me Mr. Slow every time I worked on my cars. $477 is a major ripoff.