ltooz_a6_a8_q7

Hello all,
My 96 A6 2.8L failed visual smog tests due to smoke from oil burning and blue smoke from exhaust pipe. The smog technician insisted that the smoke from the engine bay is from the crank case leaks. Instead of fighting with the guy although we both see the oil is all over the gasket, I took the failed car home and gave it a total tune up and valve cover gasket replacement
After everything was done, the guy was happy to pass my car.

<img src="http://www.dognmonkey.com/media/a6/a6valve/sm_a6valve58.JPG">

<img src="http://www.dognmonkey.com/media/a6/a6valve/sm_a6valve55.JPG">

<img src="http://www.dognmonkey.com/media/a6/a6valve/sm_a6valve47.JPG">

While I was there, I removed the butterfly and cleaned it too and I was amazed at all the grimes and dirt.

<img src="http://www.dognmonkey.com/media/a6/a6valve/sm_a6valve64.JPG">

Pulled the spark plugs and amazingly found out that the center electrodes were all gone and my Audi was still running, what an old faithful Audi.

<img src="http://www.dognmonkey.com/media/a6/a6valve/sm_a6valve72.JPG">

I actually thanked the guy for failing my car, if not, I wouldn't find out all these things. 2 hours and everyone is happy.

For more pictures and details follow the link

http://www.dognmonkey.com/audi/repla...vant-2-8l.html

Cheers,

Louis

Crb88

How in depth was this job? I found some oil around my spark plugs, they too were the 2 finger, but I've been reading that it gets boggy sometimes and the guy replaced them with OEM parts and it went away.

Victorymike18

This is an old thread, so a slim chance the OP is still watching.

I'll comment that doing the valve cover gaskets is a pretty straightforward job. Make sure to get the right gasket as there is a difference between the metal and plastic valve covers.

It's really important to note that a big cause of oil leaks on the 12v is a gunked up PCV system. The system is over-complicated and has several small orifices which are prone to clogging, and a small amount of positive crankcase pressure can start pushing oil past various seals.