Do you sometimes get strange smells, like a burning smell, from the Volkswagen engine? Or maybe you’ve witnessed some strange oil drip under your car? These could be some symptoms that the valve cover gasket of the vehicle has gone bad. This is a common problem with many cars, including some Volkswagen models.

But how do you know for sure that it is your valve cover gasket that is causing the issue? Well, you may not be able to detect the problem, if the issue is coming from a damaged valve cover. However, there are general signs of gasket failure in a Volkswagen. When you see these signs, you should take your VW to an expert, who will determine if your vehicle has a failing gasket in the valve cover area.

What Exactly Is a Valve Cover Gasket?

This gasket is an important part of your engine that should always be maintained and checked. It is located between the valve cover and the cylinder head and has the function of closing the space to avoid leakage of oil from that joint. This gasket also has to seal the area to ensure that no dirt and debris find their way into the engine. However, every gasket, whether located in the valve cover or elsewhere, is bound to wear out. This will lead to oil leakage and other issues that could hurt your engine.

How You Can Detect a Bad Valve Cover Gasket

• Oil Leaks: One of the clear indications that the gasket in the valve cover area has gone bad is when the vehicle starts leaking oil. If you see oil stains on the garage floor where your VW was parked, it may be time to check the engine. Look around the valve cover, to determine whether that is where the leak is coming from. If it is confirmed, then you must replace the gasket immediately to stop the leak.
• Burning Smell: When this gasket deteriorates and the oil that seeps out falls on hot engine parts, such as the exhaust manifold, this can cause a burning oil smell. If you smell something burning while driving, this could be a result of oil dripping from a faulty gasket.
• Low Oil Levels: As earlier mentioned, a bad gasket leads to an oil leak. Aside from a visible leak on your garage floor and the burning smell of oil, another way you can know that your oil is leaking is through the level of oil left in the oil reservoir. If your oil level becomes low suddenly, you might have a leak caused by a damaged gasket in the valve cover part of the engine.
• Warning Light: Modern VW models have warning lights that inform you of a problem in your engine. If you see a warning light, especially one that is specific to engine oil condition, then you should take your vehicle for a diagnostic inspection by a trusted mechanic. They can tell if the oil leak is from the valve cover and replace it if necessary.

Changing The Gasket

As a Volkswagen owner, you need to know the signs of a failing gasket to avoid major issues later on. Always look out for the signs discussed above, as they can point you to a failed gasket in your engine. If you suspect or have confirmed that your Volkswagen valve cover gasket is compromised, then it should be changed as soon as possible. This problem is not a DIY task, so you should not attempt fixing it yourself. Let an experienced mechanic who has the right tools fix the new gasket to ensure a perfect seal.

Book An Appointment With The Volkswagen Experts In Woodinville

Diagnosing and fixing gasket leaks has never been a difficult task for us, so if you need a professional to help you handle this problem, you can count on our expertise at Woodinville Sports Cars. Our shop is located in Woodinville, WA and we have been a helping hand to Volkswagen drivers in the area since 2004. We also extend our reach to clients from neighboring areas like Kenmore, Kirkland, Bothell, Monroe, Redmond, Mill Creek, and Snohomish, WA. Schedule an appointment now to enjoy a high-quality and accurate Volkswagen repair.