Audi A4: Cam chain tensioner gasket and valve cover gasket oil leaks (2.4/2.8 V6 30v)
Cam chain tensioner gasket and valve cover gasket oil leaks (2.4/2.8 V6 30v) is a very common fluid leaks fault on the Audi A4 on the 1996–2001 cars, and we rate it major. Putting it right costs $600 to $1,500 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. Below is what goes wrong, the symptoms to notice on a test drive, where to look, and what to ask the seller before you hand over any money. It is one of 45 documented faults on the Audi A4.
- Vehicle
- Audi A4
- Engine
- 2.4L / 2.8L
- Years
- 1996–2001
- Fuel
- petrol
- System
- Fluid Leaks
What you are looking at
Example of the part — not this vehicleThe front of a twin-cam engine with the timing cover off — chain, sprockets and guides.
What goes wrong
The B5 30 valve V6 engines (2.4 and 2.8; not the earlier 12 valve 2.6 and 2.8) have a short cam chain inside each cylinder head with a tensioner sealed by a rubber gasket and half moon plug; these gaskets and the valve cover gaskets harden and leak oil, typically from around 120,000 km. Oil drips onto the exhaust manifolds and causes a burning oil smell in the cabin and a fire risk if left. It is usually done together with the timing belt because the same covers come off.
What you would notice
- Burning oil smell inside the car, especially at lights after a drive
- Smoke from the back of the engine bay when hot
- Oil wetness down the sides of the cylinder heads
- Oil drips under the engine
How to check it
Where to look. Top and front of both cylinder heads on the V6, above the exhaust manifolds
With a phone torch, look along both sides of the V6 where the valve covers meet the heads and at the front of each head for wet, dark oil or grime. Look for oil sitting on the exhaust manifolds below. After the test drive, open the bonnet and smell for burning oil and look for wisps of smoke. Check under the car where it has been parked for fresh drips. Ask whether the cam tensioner gaskets were done with the last timing belt. If a workshop inspection is possible: remove the engine cover and timing covers to inspect the cam tensioner gaskets and half moon seals directly, and put the car on a hoist to trace the leak source.
What it costs to put right
$600 to $1,500 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. That is for this job on its own, not for the car.
Ask the seller
- “Have the cam chain tensioner gaskets and valve cover gaskets been replaced?”
- “Were they done at the last timing belt?”
- “Do you ever smell burning oil in the car?”
Now check the Audi A4 you are actually looking at
Everything above is true of the model, and it is free. What it does not tell you is whether THIS car has been looked after: its odometer history and whether the reading has ever gone backwards, whether there is still money owing on it, whether it has been reported stolen, how many owners it has had and what it is really worth today. That comes from the official records for that plate. Enter the plate for the free details, or get the full history and a market valuation from $13.49.
Where this comes from
- Blauparts: Audi A4 A6 Timing Belt Replacement Info 2.8L 30V (cam chain tensioner gasket leaks and burning oil smell)
- AudiWorld A4 B5 forum: Cam chain tensioner problems
- AudiForums B5 models: 96 A4 2.8 oil leak
- Audizine: Removal of cam chain tensioner (2.8 30V) with timing belt in place
Audi A4 buyer questions
Is cam chain tensioner gasket and valve cover gasket oil leaks (2.4/2.8 v6 30v) serious on a Audi A4?
We rate it major and very common on the Audi A4. The B5 30 valve V6 engines (2.4 and 2.8; not the earlier 12 valve 2.6 and 2.8) have a short cam chain inside each cylinder head with a tensioner sealed by a rubber gasket and half moon plug; these gaskets and the valve cover gaskets harden and leak oil, typically from around 120,000 km. Oil drips onto the exhaust manifolds and causes a burning oil smell in the cabin and a fire risk if left. It is usually done together with the timing belt because the same covers come off.
How much does it cost to fix on a Audi A4?
$600 to $1,500 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. That figure is for this job on its own. A car showing the symptoms on this page is usually worth either walking away from or negotiating down by at least the repair figure.
Which Audi A4 years are affected?
Our research records this fault on the 1996–2001 Audi A4. Build dates move around, especially on imported cars, so treat the range as the years to look hardest at rather than a guarantee either way. The official records tell you the exact build and first registration date for the car in front of you.
How do I check for it before I buy?
With a phone torch, look along both sides of the V6 where the valve covers meet the heads and at the front of each head for wet, dark oil or grime. Look for oil sitting on the exhaust manifolds below. After the test drive, open the bonnet and smell for burning oil and look for wisps of smoke. Check under the car where it has been parked for fresh drips. Ask whether the cam tensioner gaskets were done with the last timing belt. If a workshop inspection is possible: remove the engine cover and timing covers to inspect the cam tensioner gaskets and half moon seals directly, and put the car on a hoist to trace the leak source. Look here: Top and front of both cylinder heads on the V6, above the exhaust manifolds