generaljdog

Well, they finally found it. The burning smell when stopped after the car warmed up is the valve cover gasket. Luckily it's getting fixed with no cost to me. Is there anything else I should be asking to get done at this time that will save me $$'s since they'll already be working in there.

I know the CAM seals is a much bigger job.

Eric 2.7

There has been beaucoup discussion lately about what REALLY causes these leaks in many cases. The breather system tends to clog up or freeze up in the winter which pressurizies the crankcase and causes leaks in crank shaft seals, cam adjuster gaskets, valve cover gaskets, etc. Don't know what variant you have, but in my 2.7T the main culprit is the cone shaped black valve just to the right on the Y shaped intake manifold. This is the main collector that pulls ventilation into the intake from the amazingly complicated breather system. They even apparently make an "insulated" version of this for "cold" (under 32F? ) climates. Do a search around here for oil leaks, etc and you will find more than you want about this. Also, your valve cover gasket may be bad, but if the breather system becomes clogged again, you will develop leaks again. Check it and clean / replace as necessary. And never go where it is cold again! There is also a member here who is working on a collective complaint on this poor design.

Sorry, I'm too lazy to determine what differences exist in the breather systems of the various variants.

TraderAlex

Which model A6 do you have?

ahora

That is exactly what my non-dealer mechanic told me 2 years ago about the leaking cam seals and valve cover gaskets. Why hasn't there been a "fix" suggested for the breather system? I had both the valve cover gaskets and the cam seals changed on my first AVANT, so far just the cam seals on my second AVANT! Still Audi has refused to admit a design flaw and recall and repair the problem. What will it take? Maybe more bad press in the LA and New York Times.

generaljdog

2000 A6 2.8

RazeA6

Did you actually talk to AoA about this? I am going to soon but would like to collect names for a greater voice. If interested drop me an email with your name, state, year and model. My email rschneg@comcast.net. Maybe as a group we can get this resolved.

Snappon

<center><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/70110/audipump.jpg"></center><p>How can the vapors in the cam covers go anywhere .. Im gonna make a brass fitting to replace this bastage ..