Look for These Signs of a Valve Cover Gasket Failure in a Volkswagen

Most car enthusiasts know that one of the most important things to keep an eye on is your engine. Even the most vigilant car maintainers can sometimes experience a problem. You may run into valve gasket cover failure as your car wears over time. It can be an expensive fix, so it’s a good reminder to be vigilant about engine maintenance to prevent gasket failures. Let’s talk more about what this means for your Volkswagen and how to prevent it from happening.

When your VW’s engine is running, it creates a lot of heat! This can damage the engine over time if it’s not controlled. One way the engine controls heat is by using a valve cover. This important component is responsible for sealing the valves in the engine. If the valve cover fails, then the engine will not be able to control heat and it could lead to serious damage and warped metal components.

Warnings Signs of a Valve Cover Failure

The valve cover gasket is a seal that sits between the valve cover and the cylinder head, and its purpose is to prevent oil leaks. It is made of rubber or cork, and over time, it can become brittle and crack. If your car starts to leak oil, it’s a good idea to check the valve cover gasket for signs of failure. Here are some common symptoms:

• Oil leaking from around the valve cover
• A hissing or bubbling sound coming from the engine
• Smoke coming from under the hood
• The engine running rough or misfiring
• Loud ticking noise

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to have the problem fixed as soon as possible. A failed valve cover gasket can cause serious damage to your engine if left untreated.

Causes of a Valve Cover Gasket Failure

If your car is starting to burn oil or is leaking oil, it may be due to a valve cover gasket failure.

Seal

The valve cover gasket is responsible for sealing the area between the valve cover and the cylinder head. Over time, the valve cover gasket can become hard and brittle, causing it to crack and allow oil to leak out.

In addition, a failed valve cover gasket can also cause your car to burn oil. This is because the seals around the valves are no longer effective, allowing oil to escape and be drawn into the combustion chamber.

Too Much Oil

Another common cause of a valve cover gasket leak is overfilling the engine oil. If there is too much oil in the engine, it can seep into the gasket and cause a leak. Excess oil can also cause the gasket to swell and break down, leading to a leak.

Coolant Problems

A valve cover gasket leak can also be caused by engine coolant. If there is a coolant leak, it can seep into the gasket and cause it to fail. Coolant leaks are often caused by cracks in the radiator or a faulty thermostat.

Other Causes

Gasket failure can be caused by several things, including an improper installation, damage to the gasket, or a loss of tension in the bolts that hold the gasket in place. In some cases, a loose bolt can also cause a leak.

If you suspect that your valve cover gasket has failed, it’s important to have it checked out by a mechanic as soon as possible. Left unchecked, a valve cover gasket failure can lead to serious engine damage.

A&M Auto Service Will Replace Your Valve Cover Gasket

At A&M Auto Service, we offer the best car services from general maintenance and routine car care to specialty services! We’re proud to offer our customers the expertise to repair their vehicles using the exact same equipment available at OEM dealerships at a fraction of their cost. Our mechanics also have the same factory training, too!

With our customer-friendly orientation coupled with our expertise of over 25 years in the industry, we have successfully earned the trust of drivers in Pineville, Charlotte, Greensboro, and NC.

Contact us now to repair your Volkswagen and maintain it in top condition for your safety and driving pleasure!