I am trying to figure out a oil leak on a 2000 A6 2.8l it is coming down the driver side front of the engine.After a little research I have found that these engines have problems with the cam tensioner gaskets and seals and this may be the problem with this engine.Before I tackle this I am trying to find out where the cylinder head is feed oil from the block on this engine is it possible that this could be the leak in this area.This engine leaks bad like it is a oil pressure driven leak......Thanks for any info.

 

No, you would be correct on the cam tensioner seal. The tensioner on the driver's side cylinder head is right at the front where you say you're leak is coming from. You will also need new valve cover gaskets along with the cam tensioner seals. The good news is the cam seals are about $5 a piece, the bad news is they suck to change out. You need to fish out the seal from under the tensioner using a small 90* angle pic, you can only get the tensioner to come up so high because the chain holds it down to the head, its too much of a hassle to take off just for the seals. There is a tool you can buy from the dealer (or internet somewhere) that collapses the tensioner to give you more room that looks like this:

Good luck!

 

Can the driverside cam tensioner seal be done this way with the timing belt still on and rear cover plate?

 

yes you can do the cam tensioner seals without taking the tbelt off. just make sure you get the surface area very clean, as any oil or debris will cause a leak again..