Best Repair Shop in Oakland to Fix Your Volkswagen’s Valve Cover Gasket

Did you notice some oil deposits under your Volkswagen or did you sense a burning oil smell when driving? Such symptoms often point to a leaking valve cover gasket, a common problem observed in many Volkswagen vehicles. This gasket is a part of the car’s engine that helps to keep engine oil contained within the engine. When it fails, it causes problems to your engine however, there are so many ways you can detect and rectify it. Here are signs your valve cover gasket is leaking and what you can do to address it before it develops into more significant issues.

Symptoms That Suggest That Your Volkswagen’s Valve Cover Gasket Is Compromised

• Visible Oil on the Engine Cover: If you open the hood and find that there is oil around the valve cover or around the gasket then that is a sign of a problem. While it may be hard to identify large leaks, if there is any appearance of oil around the valve cover it might be time to change the gasket.
• Burning Oil Smell: When oil from the valve cover seeps out and falls on hot parts of the engine, you might begin to perceive a burnt smell while driving. This smell is often associated with oil that leaks out from the gasket of the valve cover and reaches the hot parts such as the exhaust manifold.
• Low Oil Levels: If your valve cover gasket is bad, you will find your oil levels depleting much faster than they should. This is something that can be easily diagnosed through a routine oil check; if left unchecked, it will lead to low oil levels in your VW engine that may result in more friction in the moving parts and eventual engine damage.

How To Repair A Damaged Gasket In Your Volkswagen Valve Cover

• Inspect and Confirm the Issue: The first thing to do is to bring the car to a mechanic and let him check the engine and tell you if the leak is coming from the valve cover area. This requires an examination of the area around the valve cover and also an inspection of other areas to confirm whether any other seal in your engine has been compromised.
• Remove the Valve Cover: Once the issue is confirmed, the valve cover is then taken off very cautiously. This step is very delicate and must be performed carefully because it is very easy to damage other parts of the engine in the process of removing the valve cover. It is also a good time to look for any other possible problems under the cover.
• Clean the Surfaces: After taking off the old gasket, the mechanic will then wash the surface on which this gasket is placed. This is very important because it helps to ensure that there is a clean surface for the new gasket and that the new gasket correctly merges during installation. Any deposits or any old gasket material remaining on the seating surfaces could cause a misalignment and lead to leakage.
• Install the New Gasket: Next, a new valve cover gasket is then fitted properly into its position. The mechanic will ensure that the gasket is aligned in the right way and sealed correctly to prevent leakage. Sometimes they use a little sealant to make the fit more secure and leakproof.
• Reattach the Valve Cover and Test: After the new gasket has been fitted, the valve cover is bolted back in place and the bolts are torqued to the right amount. All necessary servicing is performed after which the engine is turned on to inspect for leaks and to ensure the repair was effective.

Visit Germany’s Best Inc. for Your Volkswagen Repair Needs

Here at Germany’s Best Inc. located in Oakland, CA, we are highly proficient when it comes to auto repair services for European cars including the different Volkswagen models. Our highly qualified technicians know that Volkswagen engines require special attention and that is exactly what we do when attending to your vehicle.

We fully understand what quality service entails so you can trust us to return your car on the road in the best shape. Whether you need the best valve cover gasket repair services or any other repair, you can count on our experts at Germany’s Best Inc. to keep your Volkswagen on the road. We are available to assist drivers from surrounding areas like Emeryville, Berkeley, and Piedmont, CA. Call us now or stop by our shop to schedule your next Volkswagen repair or maintenance service.