Help identifying oil leak

[texasboy21]

I found a quarter sized drop of oil under my car after it sit for about a week while on vacation. Upon inspection in the engine bay I noticed some 'evidence' near the oil filter cap, PCV, and what I believe are the cam position sensors. Under the car however everything looked soaked!

Up top my approach is to clean it all up and see what comes back.. Ive researched the B9 PCV plate which I may swap in. The oil under the car seems a bit more alarming, so any advise or guidance on what to inspect or look out for is appreciated!

[AudiGeo]

Looks like the oil cap is leaking… Try cleaning the gasket with some brake cleaner and see if that does it.


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[MikTip]

If its coming from the oil cap...its probably the PVC/Oil separator is bad...as its allowing too much pressure under boost and it blows out from under the oil cap. Changed mine twice on my S3 until I got the catch can setup. The seal on the oil cap is removable and you can flip it over. Audi offers a replacement cap seal but what arrives doesnt fit the oil cap.

[evo v]

I had similar leaks like yours. I replaced the gasket on the upper timing chain cover. There are two gaskets for cam adjusters too if you want to replace them as well. I replaced the pcv. On the bottom I replaced the oil pan gasket. All this last week. So far (knocking on wood) no more leaks on top or bottom after 600 miles.

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[texasboy21]

I had similar leaks like yours. I replaced the gasket on the upper timing chain cover. There are two gaskets for cam adjusters too if you want to replace them as well. I replaced the pcv. On the bottom I replaced the oil pan gasket. All this last week. So far (knocking on wood) no more leaks on top or bottom after 600 miles.

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Bumping this with an update.

New/revised oil cap, PCV, and breather hose installed and the car is driving better. Still seeing the oil around the pan, so looks like I need a new oil pan gasket.

[whites3NJ]

I had this leak around 100,000 miles. Came from the timing cover and magnet seals. Parts are around $300-$400 depending on where you get them. It just the seals that are bad. The leak actually can be pretty bad if you don't fix it. Labor isn't terrible. All in it cost me $500 but my mechanic is cheap. Expect double/triple that at the dealership.

I did oil cap and PCV - did not fix it but those are good, cheap maintenance things to do. It is not the oil pan....it's just dripping all the way down to the oil pan as you drive. Don't waste your time with that. I promise you its the timing cover and magnets.

[texasboy21]

I had this leak around 100,000 miles. Came from the timing cover and magnet seals. Parts are around $300-$400 depending on where you get them. It just the seals that are bad. The leak actually can be pretty bad if you don't fix it. Labor isn't terrible. All in it cost me $500 but my mechanic is cheap. Expect double/triple that at the dealership.

I did oil cap and PCV - did not fix it but those are good, cheap maintenance things to do. It is not the oil pan....it's just dripping all the way down to the oil pan as you drive. Don't waste your time with that. I promise you its the timing cover and magnets.

I've suspected that.. looks to be a tight fit, but seemingly DIY able.

[whites3NJ]

you have to jack that side of the engine up slightly. If not, it's a tight fit and you can't do it. With the right tools, it's feasible. Engine mount removed and lifted slightly and you can squeeze in there. This is 100% what your leak is.

06G103269B Timing cover
06L109259D x2 Camshaft Adjuster Magnets with seal

[MikTip]

you have to jack that side of the engine up slightly. If not, it's a tight fit and you can't do it. With the right tools, it's feasible. Engine mount removed and lifted slightly and you can squeeze in there. This is 100% what your leak is.

06G103269B Timing cover
06L109259D x2 Camshaft Adjuster Magnets with seal

So your saying the $120 each cam adjusters and not their seals are whats leaking? Or you have to buy the adjuster to get the seal?

https://www.audiusaparts.com/oem-par...oid-06l109259d

The front cover(06K-103-269-F) looks to come with seals...

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-hamburg-...saAnbbEALw_wcB

Seems Audi sells just the seals for the Cam Adjuster Magnets- 06K-103-583

Also looks like Audi sells the cover and seals together(?)

[whites3NJ]

So your saying the $120 each cam adjusters and not their seals are whats leaking? Or you have to buy the adjuster to get the seal?

https://www.audiusaparts.com/oem-par...oid-06l109259d

The front cover(06K-103-269-F) looks to come with seals...

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-hamburg-...saAnbbEALw_wcB

Seems Audi sells just the seals for the Cam Adjuster Magnets- 06K-103-583

Also looks like Audi sells the cover and seals together(?)

You are correct - you can just do the seals. I did the parts too because of my mileage, why not get fresh parts for just a bit more. But certainly can just do the seals.

[949]

thats good to know. i see oil in all those spots on my own car. the usual oil spots but also any idle issues is a good sign to check out and repair these issues you have pointed out as well.

really horrible to know that it needs to be replaced so soon.

you should do a separate full list of areas that needs to be replaced and the OEM part numbers that is needed. along with photos or even a DIY.

i think that would really be a beneficial thread.

[liljonny16]

This seems to be a somewhat common issue. I had this problem also. It's coming from the oil cap. The fix is to add an o-ring to the cap. 48mm x 44mm x 2mm Rubber Oil Seal O Ring Gasket Washer. Amazon use to have them in stock but not anymore. You may be able to find them somewhere else. I found out about this on the MK7 forums. It solved the issue for me. I change out the o-ring every oil change or every other oil change.

https://www.mcmaster.com/o-rings/sys...44-mm/od~48mm/

Was able to find them on Amazon after all. Just under a different listing. Typical Amazon. uxcell Nitrile Rubber O-Rings 48mm OD 44mm ID 2mm Width

[whites3NJ]

This seems to be a somewhat common issue. I had this problem also. It's coming from the oil cap. The fix is to add an o-ring to the cap. 48mm x 44mm x 2mm Rubber Oil Seal O Ring Gasket Washer. Amazon use to have them in stock but not anymore. You may be able to find them somewhere else. I found out about this on the MK7 forums. It solved the issue for me. I change out the o-ring every oil change or every other oil change.

https://www.mcmaster.com/o-rings/sys...44-mm/od~48mm/

Was able to find them on Amazon after all. Just under a different listing. Typical Amazon. uxcell Nitrile Rubber O-Rings 48mm OD 44mm ID 2mm Width

The oil cap can go bad and cause some of this spill over but what he’s showing is the seals around the magnets and timing cover. Just doing the oil cap alone most likely won’t fix it. The other seals are necessary to do and as I mentioned they’re not horribly expensive. Very common. It’s a shame this happens and can’t be prevented. I do oil changes every 3,000 miles. The seals are just shitty

[whites3NJ]

I have gone into detail on other threads about all the things that have gone wrong for me along with estimated costs. For me, getting up to 150,000 miles, I’ve spent close to $15,000 out of warranty problems and maintenance. YMMV. I’m anal about keeping up with things. Extrapolate that out and it’s telling of the problems you can expect but I am a walking Guinea pig of high mileage 8V S3.

[evo v]

I have gone into detail on other threads about all the things that have gone wrong for me along with estimated costs. For me, getting up to 150,000 miles, I’ve spent close to $15,000 out of warranty problems and maintenance. YMMV. I’m anal about keeping up with things. Extrapolate that out and it’s telling of the problems you can expect but I am a walking Guinea pig of high mileage 8V S3.

Glad I'm not the only one with high mileage Audis. My '15 A3 is with 138K miles right now. My '09 A3 is with 168K. I used to have another '09 that lasted 268K miles on the original timing chain. Just like you I keep everything up to date and address every minor issue.

[whites3NJ]

Glad I'm not the only one with high mileage Audis. My '15 A3 is with 138K miles right now. My '09 A3 is with 168K. I used to have another '09 that lasted 268K miles on the original timing chain. Just like you I keep everything up to date and address every minor issue.

Jesus Christ how is that chain still working???

Curious on the 2015 A3 what have you had to fix/replace?

[evo v]

It rattled like crazy and I was very careful not to do hard accelerations. I traded it in because I didn't want to deal with to deal with it at the time. On my second '09 A3 I rebuilt the head and replaced the timing chain and guides at 148K. The chain had stretched quite a bit. It runs like a champ now.

[MikTip]

My 2015 S3 has over 150,000...

[whites3NJ]

My 2015 S3 has over 150,000...

for both of you - what have you had to fix/replace on your 2015 A3/S3's?

[evo v]

for both of you - what have you had to fix/replace on your 2015 A3/S3's?

Maintenance:
Oil change every 5K
DSG oil every 35K
Haldex fluid twice
Differential fluid once

Repairs:
Thermostat/Water pump @ 105K
Front and rear pads and rotors
Oil pan gasket @135K
Oil cooler gaskets @135K
Upper timing cover gasket @120K
N82 valve @135K - had it broken since 93K
Rear shocks - @135K
DV and PCV valves @135K - just as a PM, they didn't fail
Spark plugs @95 - just as a PM, they didn't fail

That's pretty much everything

P.S. While troubleshooting oil pan leak a month ago I thought that the upper oil pan gasket might be leaking so I got rear main seal and flywheel. Turned out just the rubber gasket was leaking so I didn't have to drop the transmission. The rear main seal was more or less an insurance for feature leaks. Flywheel - I think mine started wearing out. The '09 Audi A3 @148K the flywheel had almost an inch play when I replaced it. I think my '15 A3 is about done as well. The way I "feel it" without actually physically checking it is when I back up on my driveway, it takes almost a second to switch from drive to reverse before I can press the gas and let he car move. What I mean is I move the shifter to reverse but the transmission engages that late. On new(er) car this is almost instant. I have 4 Audis and one VW anywhere between 25K and 168K miles so I notice these little things.

[MikTip]

for both of you - what have you had to fix/replace on your 2015 A3/S3's?

Allot...

DIY replaced fuel injectors(2 bad). While there with intake manifold off...water pump and thermostat housing. They were not bad...

https://www.audizine.com/forum/showt...1#post14557744

All 4 Mag ride shocks removed and replaced with Bilsteins.
Installed APR springs. Had 034 springs. Had H&R Super Sport springs
Installed Neuspeed 370mm brakes with floating rotors. 18 pounds lighter than stock
Replaced front wheel bearings and front lower ball joints. Replaced front control arms with solid bushing versions.
Replaced engine and DSG mounts with 034 mounts
Replaced front rebar bumper with steel skinny bar
Installed IE intercooler.
Installed Neuspeed boost pipe
ECS Turbo onlet pipe
APR catch can setup
MRBP Exhaust
Black ac dash vents
APR red coils
Neuspeed intake
All chrome trim blacked out with 3m tape
front grill replaced

19x8.5 wheels with 245-35-19's

[whites3NJ]

Allot...

DIY replaced fuel injectors(2 bad). While there with intake manifold off...water pump and thermostat housing. They were not bad...

https://www.audizine.com/forum/showt...1#post14557744

All 4 Mag ride shocks removed and replaced with Bilsteins.
Installed APR springs. Had 034 springs. Had H&R Super Sport springs
Installed Neuspeed 370mm brakes with floating rotors. 18 pounds lighter than stock
Replaced front wheel bearings and front lower ball joints. Replaced front control arms with solid bushing versions.
Replaced engine and DSG mounts with 034 mounts
Replaced front rebar bumper with steel skinny bar
Installed IE intercooler.
Installed Neuspeed boost pipe
ECS Turbo onlet pipe
APR catch can setup
MRBP Exhaust
Black ac dash vents
APR red coils
Neuspeed intake
All chrome trim blacked out with 3m tape
front grill replaced

19x8.5 wheels with 245-35-19's

I’m glad I’m not the only one burning through control arms and mag ride struts. They’re expensive lol. I changed the mounts as well.

Looks like I’ve been a bit more unlucky with mine than yours.

[949]

So your saying the $120 each cam adjusters and not their seals are whats leaking? Or you have to buy the adjuster to get the seal?

https://www.audiusaparts.com/oem-par...oid-06l109259d

The front cover(06K-103-269-F) looks to come with seals...

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-hamburg-...saAnbbEALw_wcB

Seems Audi sells just the seals for the Cam Adjuster Magnets- 06K-103-583

Also looks like Audi sells the cover and seals together(?)

so my oil leak is not just from the oil pan but I think its coming from these items as well.
to make sure I understand, we have to get new oil chain cover and it will include the seals? or they sell the seals alone?
as well as the "Engine Variable Valve Timing (Vvt) Solenoid". do we just get the seals alone or do we need to get the whole thing? i think there are two of these and not more.

[Eli0073]

You can buy it on eBay for $60 dollars new. Comes with everything. I bought one because I wanted to skinned in Carbon Fiber.

I use Liquimoly Molly Gen. UV flashlight and is very easy to trace oil leaks.

The extra Oil ring on the Oil cap is a great idea thanks for sharing that.


https://www.ebay.com/itm/27405927693...mis&media=COPYScreenshot_2022-12-09-19-55-12-98_260528048de7f2f358f0056f785be619.jpg

Sent from my IN2017 using Audizine Forum mobile app

[949]

This seems to be a somewhat common issue. I had this problem also. It's coming from the oil cap. The fix is to add an o-ring to the cap. 48mm x 44mm x 2mm Rubber Oil Seal O Ring Gasket Washer. Amazon use to have them in stock but not anymore. You may be able to find them somewhere else. I found out about this on the MK7 forums. It solved the issue for me. I change out the o-ring every oil change or every other oil change.

https://www.mcmaster.com/o-rings/sys...44-mm/od~48mm/

Was able to find them on Amazon after all. Just under a different listing. Typical Amazon. uxcell Nitrile Rubber O-Rings 48mm OD 44mm ID 2mm Width

so your not replacing but adding the o-ring to the cap?
do you have a pic of it on the cap?

[MikTip]

A leaking oil cap is often a sign of a bad PVC/oil separator. As its allowing the crank case to over pressurize which can force oil out the main crank seal.

[949]

A leaking oil cap is often a sign of a bad PVC/oil separator. As its allowing the crank case to over pressurize which can force oil out the main crank seal.

FYI, my oil cap still leaks.
- already changed pvc/ oil seperator with an OEM new one.
- what else could be causing it?

[MikTip]

FYI, my oil cap still leaks.
- already changed pvc/ oil seperator with an OEM new one.
- what else could be causing it?

If you already replaced the PVC/Oil sep its probably the oil cap seal.

The replacement seal (036-115-111-B) Audi offers doesn't fit...form or function! Not sure why they even sell it...



So ya have to buy the whole cap & seal assy. 06K-103-485-D. Which like every Audi part has been superseded several times...

What I have done is remove the seal from the cap...turn it over reinstall it.

[texasboy21]

I just hit 70k miles and I still experience a bit of oil seepage from the cam adjuster.. weird that it hasn't gone away on its own, right?

I am starting to notice lots of new vibrations and hiccups so I will be addressing all small issues I can find.

[MikTip]

I just hit 70k miles and I still experience a bit of oil seepage from the cam adjuster.. weird that it hasn't gone away on its own, right?

I am starting to notice lots of new vibrations and hiccups so I will be addressing all small issues I can find.

I had same...replaced all the seals for both cam adjusters when I replaced the adjusters...as well ad the 2 O-rings inside the adjusters pictured and cover seals.



The 2 bottom screws on the cover are fun...

Cover 06K-103-269-F. Comes with seals except the inner adjuster seals...which Audi/VW dont list...

The cover screws have seals and they too can leak if improperly installed.

[949]

If you already replaced the PVC/Oil sep its probably the oil cap seal.

The replacement seal (036-115-111-B) Audi offers doesn't fit...form or function! Not sure why they even sell it...



So ya have to buy the whole cap & seal assy. 06K-103-485-D. Which like every Audi part has been superseded several times...

What I have done is remove the seal from the cap...turn it over reinstall it.

its a brand new oil cap.
i was worried it may have been defective or warped from heat. but its brand new as well.

[949]

I had same...replaced all the seals for both cam adjusters when I replaced the adjusters...as well ad the 2 O-rings inside the adjusters pictured and cover seals.



The 2 bottom screws on the cover are fun...

Cover 06K-103-269-F. Comes with seals except the inner adjuster seals...which Audi/VW dont list...

The cover screws have seals and they too can leak if improperly installed.

I'm not seeing what your talking about. can you do arrows on the photo?

[BKozS3]

The nickel looking things are the phasers, there are O rings inside that you can see on the left one.

[MikTip]

The adjuster magnets have to be removed to replace the cover and seals.

Ya cant see the o'rings until the magnets are out.

[949]

The adjuster magnets have to be removed to replace the cover and seals.

Ya cant see the o'rings until the magnets are out.

gotcha, so these are not included with the cover kit?
whats the part number for these extra o-rings?
is there a procedure to take them out and reinstall them?

since I'm in there I wouldn't mind replacing them.

[MikTip]

gotcha, so these are not included with the cover kit?
whats the part number for these extra o-rings?
is there a procedure to take them out and reinstall them?

since I'm in there I wouldn't mind replacing them.

Pictures of the cover don't show the 2 o'rings(links above in previous posts)

In order to remove the cover the magnetic adjusters have to be removed. This is where the o'ring comes in play...as it seals the adjusters. Which can also be weeping oil...

Replacing them is standard o'ring replacement proceedures...like the o'ring on the oil filter cup or the DSG filter cup...etc...etc...

WHT007212B

[949]

i hope taking them out will not be too hard as it seems to be in the grooves with little space to pry them out with.

ill be picking them up tonight and finishing this up tomorrow.

[949]

so i have the bolts loose and backed out all the way. but I'm having a hard time sliding the cover up and out. any trick to this? what else should I be removing to get it to slide out?

[MikTip]

so i have the bolts loose and backed out all the way. but I'm having a hard time sliding the cover up and out. any trick to this? what else should I be removing to get it to slide out?

The dip stick tube is clipped into the cover...needs to be unclipped so the cover can come out.

[949]

i have unclipped it but it seems to still have another attachment point. i think there is a screw holding the tube down lower.

would I need to also remove the engine mount? some videos have shown it taken off but I don't know if its necessary.