Minor oil leak from Rocker cover, common issue?

[doublespeeded]

Hi all,

Hope you’re all keeping safe and well.

My queries are:

1.) has anyone experienced oil leak after installing the ECS catchcan?

2.) if not, in the below attached picture. Is an oil leak somewhere around the rocker cover/timing chain cover common?

Engine: 2012 ea888 Gen II 2.0T TFSI (revised facelift B8.5)

Mileage: 68,000 Miles

I’ve had this catchcan on for a couple of weeks now and I don’t recall seeing any oil up top when I installed it.
It now seems to puddle in the two spots/indents.

I’ve cleaned it up a few times but keeps appearing.

My guess is that it could be coming from the gasket between the plastic upper timing chain cover and alloy rocker cover??

Could anyone shed some light?

IMG_8210.JPG


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[Smac770]

That oil is far away from the PCV opening. That's a funky looking oil cap. I'd be more curious if it's coming from that. But that you call your 2012 a B8.5 means you're somewhere not here (fyi, a location of "A" is not informative to people trying to answer your inquiries).

Maybe the catch can is creating block pressure that's pushing it out the oil cap? What is your block pressure/vacuum when you measure it at say the dipstick tube at idle and under load?

[Theiceman]

Upper cradle leaks are not rare, but id be very concerned if they appeared after messing with the factory pcv sysyem

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[old guy]

Upper cradle leaks are not rare, but id be very concerned if they appeared after messing with the factory pcv sysyem

Definitely one of the downsides of removing the PCV system for a catch can. You remove the block vacuum which helps maintain the integrity of the block seals.

[Spawne32]

get rid of the catch can, put a OEM oil cap and PCV back on it.

[Slick_B8]

That leak his coming from the upper timing chain cover. I had that same leak before with a failing pcv before switching to a catch can instead. Too much pressure in the system is causing the oil to be pushed through unfortunately.

[doublespeeded]

That leak his coming from the upper timing chain cover. I had that same leak before with a failing pcv before switching to a catch can instead. Too much pressure in the system is causing the oil to be pushed through unfortunately.

Slick, do you reckon a new gasket will resolve this? (Or will the can need to go?!, man it was not a cheap piece :(. )
Is it also a big job, requiring a mechanic?

all,

thanks for the feedback.

I do have a fairly New (since January 2020) PCV valve.

I previously had an 034 catchcan before this, yes those had a billet Aluminium (‘Aluminum’) PCV delete.

But if I may clarify, the ECS unit advertises to be different to all other brands; that it leaves the OEM PCV in place and runs a separate path, working with or, to collect the “more finer mist/particles”.

(See picture attached below, it runs two braided lines near the turbo, differently to the conventional way)

Does anyone own or have a 2.0T A4 B8 ECS catchcan? Surely that will determine if their unit causes it.

im guessing either the following:

1.) coincidental after installing the catchcan that the cam gear cover gasket has failed at 68,000mi due to age.

2.) ECS catchcan has higher pressure and is more dependant on a good working can gear cover gasket.

Thoughts?


IMG_8214.JPG



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[old guy]

Once you disconnect the PCV connection to the intake manifold you remove the vacuum source and purge air function of the PCV valve. What you are left with is a pressure relief function running through the catch can. Block is no longer operating under vacuum and is probably why you are starting to see oil seepage from the seals.

Functionally it's no different than running the aluminum block off plate.

[Slick_B8]

Slick, do you reckon a new gasket will resolve this? (Or will the can need to go?!, man it was not a cheap piece :(. )
Is it also a big job, requiring a mechanic?

all,

thanks for the feedback.

I do have a fairly New (since January 2020) PCV valve.

I previously had an 034 catchcan before this, yes those had a billet Aluminium (‘Aluminum’) PCV delete.

But if I may clarify, the ECS unit advertises to be different to all other brands; that it leaves the OEM PCV in place and runs a separate path, working with or, to collect the “more finer mist/particles”.

(See picture attached below, it runs two braided lines near the turbo, differently to the conventional way)

Does anyone own or have a 2.0T A4 B8 ECS catchcan? Surely that will determine if their unit causes it.

im guessing either the following:

1.) coincidental after installing the catchcan that the cam gear cover gasket has failed at 68,000mi due to age.

2.) ECS catchcan has higher pressure and is more dependant on a good working can gear cover gasket.

Thoughts?


IMG_8214.JPG



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doesn't look like you're using the right pcv to begin with and the pcv is more than likely your issue. A new gasket for the upper timing chain cover won't really do anything other than create a better seal and give you a leak elsewhere. It might even cause your rear main seal to go instead.

[doublespeeded]

doesn't look like you're using the right pcv to begin with and the pcv is more than likely your issue. A new gasket for the upper timing chain cover won't really do anything other than create a better seal and give you a leak elsewhere. It might even cause your rear main seal to go instead.

Thanks slick.

Can you clarify as to why you believe it’s the wrong PCV?

That was actually installed by a workshop, back in January 2020, who at the time; installed it due to thinking the 034 catchcan had a boost leak. (But it wasn’t, and this is a separate story)

(I recall the facelift b8.5 Gen II’s PCV looks a bit different to the pre-facelift 2009-2012)

Looking at the part number, it appears to be an aftermarket/non-genuine part

IMG_8215.JPG




This link appears to be the product and mentions the parts that it can replace.

Could anyone verify?

If it fits, wouldn’t it work as per designed?

https://www.carid.com/vaico/crankcas...-v10-2595.html


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[Spawne32]

I mean, the vaico ones "work" but yeh I had a vaico unit replaced by the dealer I bought my car from and I can tell you that the OE supplier version i bought from Europa Parts (borschung brand) works way better. That being said, the PCV systems on these cars are super sensitive, and you can easily damage your seals (rear main in particular) with improper crankcase vacuum. Ditch the ECS catch can, get an OEM oil cap, and the right PCV. https://www.europaparts.com/pressure...h103495ah.html

[old guy]

I'm pretty sure you have the correct revision PCV combination valve (06H103495AH) since you have the 2012 Euro5 CDNC engine with the B8.5 facelift body. That combination wasn't available in the States.

With that being said, changing the PCV probably isn't going to make any difference at all since you really aren't even using the PCV for anything other than the pressure relief portion of the valve. Once you disconnect the PCV from the intake manifold the pressure regulating valve and oil separator cyclone are no longer in play. The blow-by gasses in the block are being pushed out through the line that is now being routed through the catch can and into the intake side of the turbo.

[doublespeeded]

I mean, the vaico ones "work" but yeh I had a vaico unit replaced by the dealer I bought my car from and I can tell you that the OE supplier version i bought from Europa Parts (borschung brand) works way better. That being said, the PCV systems on these cars are super sensitive, and you can easily damage your seals (rear main in particular) with improper crankcase vacuum. Ditch the ECS catch can, get an OEM oil cap, and the right PCV. https://www.europaparts.com/pressure...h103495ah.html

There seems to be a fair few PCV availible.

Well the oil cap is meant to be a genuine R8 one?
What difference does that make?





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[doublespeeded]

I'm pretty sure you have the correct revision PCV combination valve (06H103495AH) since you have the 2012 Euro5 CDNC engine with the B8.5 facelift body. That combination wasn't available in the States.

With that being said, changing the PCV probably isn't going to make any difference at all since you really aren't even using the PCV for anything other than the pressure relief portion of the valve. Once you disconnect the PCV from the intake manifold the pressure regulating valve and oil separator cyclone are no longer in play. The blow-by gasses in the block are being pushed out through the line that is now being routed through the catch can and into the intake side of the turbo.

Yes CDNC 155kw Gen II TFSI with the revised; piston ring, timing chain tensioner, Diverter valve and PCV etc.

So what options do I have at this point, any chance of keeping the ECS unit? If not, I may have to just reinstall the 034 unit. (I don’t recall that unit having this issue) why would ECS design, manufacturer and sell a product if it doesn’t work?..

If I do remove it, will the leak stop, or has it been compromised?

Also I dunno if it has anything to do with it, in my other post about Catalyst. It did block the exhaust, the car still ran but was quiet... unless that could’ve been the underlying issue or contributed?






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[old guy]

Reverting to the 034 catch can really doesn't change anything. Both the ECS and 034 do the same thing. They remove the purge air function and vent the block blow-by gasses through the catch can. Here is a little explanation as to how the PCV combination valve functions. Clicky click® and Clicky click-2

I understand the desire to attempt to filter out all of the oil residue. But it comes with a cost.