How to Deal with a Valve Cover Gasket Failure in a Volkswagen
Failure of the Volkswagen’s valve cover is more common than you probably realize. The valve cover gaskets keep the oil sealed in as it flows around the valves, camshafts, and rockers, while also protecting the cylinder head and parts from the rest of the engine.
Over time, heat, cold, and debris can all wear down the rubber gasket and make it brittle, causing oil to leak. Without proper maintenance, even the smallest leak can turn into eventual engine failure. If you suspect that your valve cover gasket might be leaking oil, read on to learn how to troubleshoot the problem and to take the steps necessary to make sure your Volkswagen is properly serviced.
Why do valve cover gaskets fail?
Exposure to extreme elements can cause a valve cover gasket to deteriorate faster than normal. Infrequent oil changes can also cause sludge buildup and oil blockages, which can put excessive pressure on valve gaskets as the engine is forced to work harder to circulate the oil. Performing regular oil changes and garaging your car during extreme temperature events (when possible) will help protect your engine and keep your car on the road.
Common Valve Cover Gasket Failure Warning Signs
These are a few initial indicators that your engine needs to be serviced, and that the valve cover gasket could be the reason:
- You can smell burning oil
- You can see oil smoke
- You notice oil drips on your driveway
- Your engine oil is low
- Your engine is misfiring or running rough
If you take a closer look under the hood as a result of any of the indicators above, it’s helpful to know that the valve cover gasket is typically easy to identify because it’s almost always the highest seal in the engine. These are some of the symptoms to look out for to diagnose a cover valve gasket leak:
- Are there any cracks in the valve cover?
- Are there any obvious missing bolts?
- Is there evidence of an oil leak, either from the presence of oil or a black residue?
If you discover any of the issues above, you’ll need to service your Volkswagen as soon as possible. Do not attempt to drive your vehicle if you observe any missing bolts or cracks in the engine. Operating the vehicle could result in additional engine damage or total failure, or it could pose a physical danger to you and/or other moving vehicles while on the road.
Fixing Your Volkswagen’s Failing Valve Cover Gasket
No one likes to hear that their car needs to be fixed, but the good news is that with most valve cover gasket failures, your car will go back to running well again, if not better, as soon as the simple rubber gasket is replaced.
That said, while the gasket may be a simple component, the process through which you need to replace it is not. Unlike simple routine maintenance, like performing an oil change or installing an air filter, replacing the valve cover gasket requires several parts of the engine to be carefully removed in order to complete the repair. It is strongly encouraged that instead of attempting this repair on your own, you seek out trained and experienced technicians, in order to make sure the work is done thoroughly and properly.
Munich West Will Get the Job Done
At Munich West, we have been Atlanta’s leading European service center since 1976. Our factory-trained expert mechanics will diagnose and 
repair your vehicle quickly and efficiently to get you back on the road as soon as we can.
Our team brings over 100 years of experience servicing European vehicles of all kinds in Decatur and Atlanta, GA, so you can rest assured knowing that your car or SUV is in good hands.
We know that you have a lot of options when selecting a service center, and we pride ourselves on putting our customers first. To make your visit as fast, as simple, and as easy as possible, we offer shuttle and towing services, as well as our over-the-counter parts department. Please call our shop today to schedule an appointment. A member of our friendly staff will be more than happy to assist you.
