Signs Associated With Volkswagen Valve Cover Gasket Failure

Often, Volkswagen owners are found wanting when it comes to addressing certain issues in their cars due to a limited understanding of the parts. One such problem is related to the functioning of the valve cover gasket in Volkswagen, which acts as a seal between the valve cover & the cylinder head to prevent oil leaks from the engine.

Now, if the valve cover gasket in your Volkswagen is damaged, you will likely encounter certain signs that should prompt you into action. Here in this article, we will discuss the signs associated with VW valve cover gasket failure so that you can initiate remedial measures.

Signs of Valve Cover Gasket Failure

While driving, you must keep your eyes and ears open to detect anything unusual in your Volkswagen, and here is the list of signs that you might come across:

Rough Idling & Engine Misfires

Generally, when driving under normal circumstances, your Volkswagen’s engine is unlikely to disappoint, and you are unlikely to encounter anything unusual. However, with a malfunctioning valve cover gasket under the hood of your vehicle, you will encounter severe rough idling and engine misfires.

The valve cover gasket’s sole purpose is to seal the valve cover and cylinder head so that the engine oil doesn’t seep out. However, when the gasket is compromised, the engine oil starts leaking out and comes into contact with the spark plugs, preventing these components from working normally.

This is when you get to encounter engine misfires in your Volkswagen, and the problem becomes profound when you try to accelerate your car. Often, drivers have the habit of ignoring the problem when it is in its initial stages, and as the issue aggravates, you are faced with engine shaking, stumbling, and uneven running, making it a challenge to drive your car.

Foul Odor Inside or Outside the Car

A leading symptom of valve cover gasket failure is when you experience a foul smell in the form of burning oil either inside or outside your car. This mostly happens because of the leaking oil coming in contact with the hot engine components, like the exhaust manifold in your Volkswagen.

The smell of burning oil might not be discernible during your initial driving; however, as the engine reaches its full potential and the operating temperature is achieved, the burning smell becomes very strong. In fact, the moment you get to experience this burning odor, you can be sure that the valve cover gasket is leaking profoundly.

At times, oil leakage can lead to the formation of residue on critical components under the hood, which can significantly impact the lifespan of these components. Besides that, the chances of your VW catching fire increase tremendously, making it very important to tackle the valve cover gasket leaks immediately without delay.

Smoke Coming Out from the Engine Bay

Another easily noticeable sign of an oil leak from the valve cover gasket of your Volkswagen is when you see a large quantity of smoke coming from under the hood of your car. This sign should be taken seriously because it indicates the oil leaking from the valve cover is coming in contact with hot engine components, leading to the production of blue or gray color smoke from your vehicle.

Now, this is considered a very advanced sign of valve cover oil leakage because it points to a major leak under the hood of your car. Besides that, detecting the source of the leak in your Volkswagen is a challenge in itself, and you should get in touch with us at our auto repair shop located near you in Portland, OR, where our team of certified mechanics will attend to your Volkswagen & will make sure the leak is fixed permanently.

Top Auto Repair Facility For VW’s Valve Cover Gasket Failure

No doubt the valve cover gasket failure in your Volkswagen is a serious issue that can take a toll on the drivability of your Volkswagen. Often, Volkswagen drivers have to deal with a breakdown due to underlying valve cover oil leaks. This is where we at A & P Specialties, located near you in Portland, OR, step in to take care of your failing valve cover gasket.

Our state-of-the-art auto repair facility is equipped with the latest tools & equipment to address all your vehicular woes. Contact us at A & P Specialties, and our team of ASE-certified mechanics will ensure your Volkswagen feels like new again when it rolls out of our garage.