tester123

Need to replace cam tensioner seals and valve covers gaskets. Dealer quoted total to $190+ (seals+gaskets both sides). Aftermarket seems to top out around $80+! from a known, reliable seller. Of course, it is quite attractive but is it better to go that route?

It's a PIA job and don't want to see these leak again. I am confident of my workmanship but not sure if the parts will hold.
Also, blauparts or other mentions that the half-moon seal is "improved" - anyone have experience or knowledge about this?

Finally, the cam tensioner tool, where to get it? Local stores / dealers don't carry it. Ebay has it but not sure if they break in the middle of job.

As always, your input is much appreciated!

georgeb944

Yes, it's a PITA, but there is an audiworld diy for the 2.7T engine and I can't imagine that the 4.2 is that much different. You can buy the tool on ebay for less than 10 bucks. Just make sure that you don't put too much tension on the tool, or it will break. You just want to compress the tensioner until the chain becomes noticeably loose and you can move the tensioner to insert the gasket.

And, oh, yes, you will see the leak again, depends on how long you own the car.

georgeb944

The DIY is here:

https://www.audiworld.com/tech/eng107.shtml

tester123

Thanks for that link! It's a Great write-up!
I still have a question whether to go to dealer or aftermarket for parts. If aftermarket, which are reliable?

Also, could someone clarify if I should or not use a gasket sealer like permatex etc. on cover and head before placing gasket in between? In the honda days, I used it like that and had no issues. But after reading somewhere that o2 sensors might be affected by this stuff and that we should use this: D 404 176 A2, I am confused. Don't want to screw up...

I have to fix this asap as the car became a smoke machine!

georgeb944

I use a product called Hylomar on all the surfaces, although the specs call for using only RTV on the corners of the gasket to keep it in place. Both seem to work well. Some of the RTV tubes are marked to be Oxygen Sensor safe.

The Reinz gaskets seem to work just fine. Many of the aftermarket suppliers use them and they are cheaper than the dealer. Check out ECS Tuning, Blauparts and Autohausaz.