MissJennifer

Appointment made with dealership to replace the head gasket after 160 miles. Not what I expected from a $40K car. Help me out with the bright side of this experience.

AkRascal

Bright side -- it didn't ruin the engine.... this stuff happens

IslOMan

Head gasket leak would be quite severe and you'd probably see foamy oil in your radiator. A valve cover gasket leak would be a relatively minor problem and woudl result in a small amount of oil on your engine and driveway - as you described.

Lone Starr (Ivan)

cover, if it is a valve cover leak and not a head gasket leak. I saw it apart and the design is such that it can be prone to leakage. There is a lip where the rest of the junction is smooth. A little extra RTV sealant on the corners (goopy instant gasket stuff) and a new gasket and no more problems 7000 miles later.

Hope it's the valve cover. Head gasket leak is worse. Find out for sure and post back. We need to help you get things right if it's the head gasket.

I

PanTTher

so try to cheer up :-)

I bet when the engine was assembled the person who put the valve cover hadn't had his or her morning coffee and they goofed by not lubricating the gasket seat before bolting the valve cover down. If the gasket isn't lubricated properly before installation it will leak.

juliem

I would've traded a valve cover gasket for a snapped camshaft anyday!

MissJennifer

Don't have time to get it fixed over the holiday here in Orlando with the parents. Getting it looked at by my Audi service department back in St Pete on Jan 2nd. Will update all on their findings. I am sure they will do their own check as well.

PanTTher

They must be just saying that to cheat money either out of you or Audi.

JustJeff

You have this thing of beauty parked at the dealer don't you?