Valve Cover Gasket, CamShaft Seal and Cap Replacement VW 2.8L

[@vincentferri7544]

I'm doing this job and more on my 2000 Audi A6 Quattro Avant, and I have done it once before on my wives Vehicle which is identical to mine. This video was a great refresher to the job that I had done a few years ago. I too found oil in all of the spark plug wells, and there was a lot of sludge in the upper areas of the valve covers which were restricting the breather hoses and the plastic syphon pump was clogged. All of the breather hose issues and the syphon pump were the cause of the oil leaks and the failure of the spark plug well seals. I've added you feed to my list of resources for working on our Audi vehicles.

[@TheJudokaGrappler]

Dude! I have literally done my car engine over because over because of these videos. I just did the water pump, timing belt, tensioner pulley, serpentine belt, valve cover gasket, cam seals, spark plugs and wires. oh and the radiator (no video for that but it was easy enough) I am not a mechanic, I am one of your "do it yourselfers" thanks again car is running, need to connect everything back, get a knock sensor code. I will button it up later this week, but if you can point me in the direct to plug that bad boy in that would be awesome. I am sure its right in front of my face.

[@JMassengill]

Very thankful for your video's. They have been a good education about a Passat/a4 with a 2.8l V6 engine. I just purchased a 2000 Passat with a V6 V30 Keep up the good work.

[@roter6544]

Hi. Thanks very much for the video. Great instruction. Page D-15-6 of the Bentley gives the torques for the V6 - 10nm (7 ft pounds) for the Double Bearing Cap, same too for the 8 valve cover nuts and the 2 bolts connecting the camshaft position sensor housing. All the nuts and bolts that are 10 mm are the 10 nm (7 ft-lb). The 13mm bolt under the camshaft position sensor is 25 nm (18 ft pounds) -- the small aluminum cap it holds on can only go on in one position. Thanks again RatchetsAndWrenches - next weekend is the passenger side with the half moon seal.

[@roter6544]

ROTER Forgot to add, the four Torx bolts are also 10 nm (7 ft-lbs)

[@myRatchets]

ROTER Sweet thanks for your input. cheers and GL

[@robtermuende2955]

ROTER A bit more info... turns out that the camshaft seal from Victor Reinz (and others) is a new PTFE Seal Lip Design. From their website: "Installation Surface MUST be Clean and Completely Dry. Do not use any oil or grease on Sealing Surface. In order to ensure a secure seal, the motor should not be operated for at least 4 hours after installation so the PTFE sealing lip can be evenly positioned around the shaft being sealed**" Video says to use oil, but that only applies to the old seal type with the spring. This backed up by Bentley.. Minor thing, easy to solve. Other than that.. spot on! Thanks

[@stalinisin]

I have a 2001 vw passat awd and this helped me a lot with replacing the valve cover. Thank you.

[@myRatchets]

stalinisin np, tx for your comment.

[@dannybam1]

NICE JOB, REALLY HELPFULL TO ME, IM DOING 2001 AUDI A6, LITTLE NERVOUS ABOUT THE CAM SEAL. BUT AFTER WATCHING UR VID IM MUCH INSPIRED TO TRY!

[@myRatchets]

ty for your comment and for the sub. cheers!

[@myRatchets]

You should do the gasket and the camshaft cap on the passenger side, you'll need to remove the air filter housing and remove the bolt for the oil dipstick. You'll either need to buy a very short torx bit to remove the camshaft bearing holding in the camshaft cap at the back of the engine or cut a torx bit to make it shorter(what I did). There is no room to fit a regular size bit with a ratchet over the bolt and if you try doing it at an angle you risk stripping out the inside of the bolt. GL

[@myRatchets]

No you dont have to touch the camshaft, just remove the bearing cap. The process for the other side is actually easier since you have more room. Torque for valve cover 9ft/lbs and the bearing cap 14ft/lbs. I am taking an educated guess here as I dont have the manual for this engine. GL

[@michaelweal7721]

I just did this to my wife's 2000 A6 2.8. Thank you very much for the video, excellent video. I also had collateral damage with the hoses to the combination (EGR) valves. I have been googling till I'm blind, where can I get the hoses?

[@myRatchets]

you wont need the special tool for the valve cover gasket and camshaft cap, but for the cam chain tensioner gasket and half moon seal(blue seal) you will need a special tool to depress the cam chain tensioner.

[@sassankarai550]

The problem was fairly easy to correct. It had to do with the alignment of the sensor which is mounted in a fixed position inside the cap (the one you take off held in by 2 x 10 mm bolts) and the opening of camshaft seal plate (held in by 1x 13mm bolt). When I took the plate off the opening appeared to be facing straight up. It needs to face slightly to the side to match the sensor position in the sealing cap. Mark the centerline of the sensor on the cap - make a corresponding mark on the valve cover. Now install the camshaft seal plate with the opening centered on the line you made on the valve cover. Then put the cap back on - all marks should line up now and you're good to go. You may have to clear out the P0346 alert once more before the corrected position is recognized.

[@casaborg]

hi sassan do you have an email i need help with this thank you

[@myRatchets]

You can change the camshaft seal, it wont require tearing the car apart but its a little difficult. If I remember correctly you will have to remove the intake camshaft with the camshaft tensioner itselt, there are obviously other steps you'll need to take like marking the chain and setting TDC...etc I would invest in a good repair guide if you want to tackle that job. by valley plugs I assume you mean the spark plug hole seal and you'll see/replace it when you remove the Valve Cover. GL

[@myRatchets]

I take that back the process for the other side might be alittle harder since you will have to remove the air filter housing and the oil dipstick. Also make sure you get a small size torx bit to fit over the screws that hold the cam bearing in place other wise you might strip them. gl

[@myRatchets]

it is Usually not needed, but you never know. Make sure when you get the valve covers off you clean the area as much as possible because after you put everything back together it will still smoke for quite some time before everything is burned off. I think thats why alot of people think they half moon seal leaks aswell.. they keep seeing the smoke afterwards which is just the left over gunk and oil. But the moon seal could be leaking. I'll make a video on the seal next time I get a 2.8L passat.

[@ksk5517]

Thanks for sharing. Just one suggestion: it would be helpful if you can zoom-in on specific parts you are referring to, in addition to just pointing fingers, so that we have a better idea how it looks like if we not in front of a car engine.

[@myRatchets]

Your leak could be the cam seal or cap or crank seal. Also make sure you drive the car for a little while so all the old gunk gets burned up, sometimes it takes a while. Also if the noise up front is coming from the tensioner that you can visually see its the serpentine belt tensioner but if its coming from behind that where the timing belt and components are it could be the timing belt tensioner and needs to be taken care off asap. Ofcourse these are all guesses without seeing the car. GL

[@blackericdenice]

Thanks for your video. I used it to replace the plugs on my niece 04. Dealer wanted $630+.

[@myRatchets]

+blackericdenice thats why they are called stealerships these days. Glad you saved money, cheers.

[@blackericdenice]

RatchetsAnd Wrenches I felt a little bad about not changing wires until I saw how much they cost.

[@myRatchets]

if its just the items in the video it should be about 1-2hrs labor for both sides. labor/hr rates vary from shop to shop so shop around. parts should run you about $70-$80 for both sides. gl

[@orthodoxnet9677]

Thanks so much for this video! It really helps to understand how to change these. What about changing the camshaft seal and cap replacement on the other side of the engine? Does it look similar?

[@myRatchets]

I will be doing a half moon seal video sometime soon so stay tuned, the connector is part of the pcv tubing. I dont remember exactly but that one might go into/under neath the intake manifold and somewhat difficult to replace, plus you have to go to the dealer for it. I just used zip ties to keep it in place. gl

[@myRatchets]

Oh and you'll need a special tool to depress the chain tensioner so add that to the list as well. I would replace valve cover gasket and cap than see if I still have a leak and go from there.

[@myRatchets]

Alot of time people replace those while in there. I didnt do it on this car though. and dont apply sealant/RTV silicone to the entire gasket just the areas mentioned in the video. I might do a video on the half moon seal and chain tensioner gasket later if I get another 2.8L VW in my sight. GL

[@EmmaCristyN]

I saw that you broke your vacuum hose and I was wondering if you had a video on replacing them because mine need to be replaced.

[@DaytonCarCare]

Same thing happened to me (small hose near leading edge of valve cover). I just took some rubber vacuum hose and used it to connect the plastic hose where it broke.

[@christianuy5791]

DaytonCarCare yea broke mine too. I can’t believe Audi/VW decided to use rigid plastic tubes than flexible rubber as for the tubes. Anyways I’m thinking of using duct tape for now

[@tonyd379]

Thank you for making this video. I also, have to do this job on my 02 Passat V6.

[@sledzeppelin]

THANK YOU! I just got a 2000 Passat and need to do this. Big help!

[@rejas61]

I just changed the valve cover gasket , but still smells like strong oil. I ran across this video and I see that I also have to change the camshaft seal and cap. Will I have to replace the gaskets again?

[@myRatchets]

Sounds like you have leaking spark plug tube seals, if you remove the valve cover you will see it. Most valve cover gaskets come with it. If you havent done this before I recommend getting someone else to first verify this than do the repair. If you dont replace the valve cover gasket right you will get a leak elsewhere. GL

[@dansheehan4321]

Another great video! Just wondering where is the other camshaft seal located on this side of the engine? I posted a similar question in your other video, just wanted to keep them separate for each side of the engine in case someone else is looking for the same info I am. Thanks!

[@Kayroseky]

According a manual a found online the valve cover gasket should be torque at 7ft lb, the same for the little thingy

[@johnchristie4340]

Hey was wondering if you have a video on replacing the vacuum hose that broke.. ??

[@mpdsal]

Excellent video!! I am in the process of replacing the seals on my 2003 Passat V6. I did the drivers side like your video shows but the passenger side is different. The back of that side of the engine there is a chain. Are there seals back there that need to be changed, other than the cap? I was told that there are 4 seals for this engine. Thanks!!

[@myRatchets]

If memory serves me right on the drivers side, in the back you can only change the cap, the seal for that sides cam position sensor is in the front of the head and its best replaced when doing the timing belt, but you can pop off the timing belt cover on that side and see if you can access it without removing the belt. The chain you see is the camshaft timing chain, for the pass sides its in the rear and driver side is in the front. It does have a gasket and a seal that sometimes leaks, replacing those is a little more involved, I will have a video on them next time I get a passat. But usually replacing the cap and valve cover gasket will take care of any oil leaks you have on that side. GL

[@johndakin9164]

Excellent Video, the best ive seen and very well explained, thank you

[@Nikost1987]

thank you very much for your video...very helpful...!!! i have a couple questions though... do you follow exactly the same proccess for both sides of the engine...? do i have to remove-lift the camshafts from the engine..? and how much torque for bolts..? thanks again

[@jayerawr5043]

How would you do the same on the other side of this same cam shaft? remove the timing pulley?

[@myRatchets]

To remove the front cam seal on the driver side you will need to remove the timing belt and cam pulley yes.

[@lakerking209]

I was wondering if i change all cam seals and caps if I will have to remove the timing belt?

[@djblendboi]

I have an '03 a6 4.2l v8 that has same leaking problem. Does the repairing process shown in this video work on my car?

[@djvycious]

Thanks for the video +Ratchets And Wrenches. I have a Blauparts kit for the cam, valve and timing chain tensioner seals. The kit includes two seals and one cap for each side of the engine. Where does the other seal go? All writeups I've looked at seems to dance around this...

[@ludgidiya3239]

Behind the sprocket, if you remove it.

[@marklafayette1913]

Awesome video, I'm going to tackle my own based on your guidance. Any advice on where to buy the gasket kit? I'm seeing a lot of varying advice on the InterWeb and was wondering where you got your kit. Cheers.

[@babystudo]

Good video. I have a 99 VW Passat and I see light smoke coming from the passenger side of the engine.I think it may be the Valve cover gasket.By the looks of it it may not be that difficult to do myself. About how long do you think it would take and other than the gasket what tools would i need?

[@TheChipster66]

hey captain. have a 2002 glx passat wagon v6 30 valve /4 motion / automatic trans. behind passenger side of engine oil is leaking. removed air filter unit and valve cover./// other than the halfmoon on this camshaft -- is there a cap to replace or a oil seal.on this back side.or is that on the front.// opposite of what you did on this. There are four t30 screws on the aluminum casting but can only get a t-30 into the top three - the one at the bottom is so damn tight no there is no room no tool will fit in there will fit in there. when working on back of passenger side is it the halfmoon that I need to install...bought a seal and cap - but there is no leaking off front. or valve cover. broke crankcase hose -- it was rotten and pretty clogged up-- will be having to buy that and pcv valve. NEED SOME HELP - AT A STAND STILL.-- STAY WITH ME ON THIS GUY i'M IN DEEP.

[@myRatchets]

I am pretty sure it is. But not a 100%, look up engine compatibility for your car to find out. GL

[@myRatchets]

Good info, ty.

[@d3v3ouzm1ndz]

can you show us how to do the half moon seals, and pretty please show the proper way to jack up a volkswagen passat b5.5 02-05 model... for instance is it ok to have the car sitting on the pinch welds on jack stands?? a vid response would be greatful

[@sellingthewind]

hey man, i have been watching your videos and I really like your style. Do you have any videos of Cylinder head replacement on the 2.8? I haven't found any videos.

[@ellyattfamily958]

Can bad camshaft seal cause sensor to malfunction? When I replaced sensor, noticed it was coated with oil

[@andruhacojocaru]

Great video brother! Also, was wondering if you did do the half moon seal yet?:) just like the other guy, but hey, i also broke that little plastic connector of that vacuum line you broke, where did you buy that from or how is it called? How did you fix it?

[@Jacob190000]

Hey so just to be clear. I am going to be replacing my audi a4 valve cover gaskets as well as half moon seal, cam chain tensioner gasket, and cam shaft seals. I won't need the special tool since I won't be needing to loosen the cam chain. Correct?

[@atroche1978]

Did you replace the half moon seal and the cam tensioner gasket? Isn't it also necessary? Do you apply sealant on the entire gasket or just on the top side of the curved parts of the gasket? Thanks.

[@sassankarai550]

I did the repair on my 2003 VW Passat 2.8l v6 on the driver's side all went seemingly well - I am now getting a P0346 error at engine start . Camshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Range/Performance Bank 2. Any troubleshooting tips?

[@astall75]

check the wires to the cam sensor make sure the fitting is on tight and locked in place

[@sneeky11]

I just bought a b5 the same 2.8 i found the unplug where the battery cabin in its transition from soft rubber to hard plistic sort of any idea what it might be or if its even to to car it is about 7- 11" and has a bend to it.

[@seanaball24]

I tried this today. Broke the same silicone vacuum hose from the combi valve to the vacuum solenoid, and the plastic crankcase breather hose. Such a nuisance

[@matzi1557]

keep in mind before you change any seals on these Engines, to check the breather hoses are not plugged. This is the first reason why these engines start to leak. (run the engine and open the Oil cap there should be no pressure buildup in the engine)

[@vkisanga]

Hi Matt, how can you tell whether or not there is pressure buildup in the engine? I took the oil cap out and the engine started to sound funny, and the puck valve started sounding like there is air leaking.. it stops when I replace the oil cap

[@oscarcrespo9365]

Cool demonstration

[@reynaldoperez2820]

I can't get the part # for those quick disconnect line u guys know it?

[@UR_HR]

question to anyone that knows... the camshaft plug seal looks like its been leaking, and it doesn't seem to have a seal round it? Do these need replacing, missing a seal or require silicon round them. Anyone Know?

[@abimaelacosta7001]

I have the same engine could you help me to know how to change the oxygen sensors of this car or where is bank one and bank two please I hope you can help me thanks

[@josenoriega1994]

Dam I'll be trying this on my audi next week , I should have done it when I did my timing belt and also thank you so much for the info I can finally get the oil smell out of my vents lol . Go so I go by replacing the half moon seal or is it not needed ? Mine only smokes from the drivers side

[@jonnydcan9482]

Waoo......tremendo....nesesito tu ayuda por favor...tengo in Audi A6 2000 2.8L quattro... I can definitely smell something in the cabin like oil....I will check the cams seals and the cap...but is there an thing else I have to look out for....?

[@myRatchets]

its probably the cam seal/cap and the valve cover gasket..and more than likely on the passenger side. Also the half moon seal and gasket for the timing chain tensioner sometimes leak but usually its the cam cap and valve cover gaskets. GL

[@jonnydcan9482]

Gracia

[@myRatchets]

slightly different, look in my channel for a video on replacing the Camshaft chain tensioner and half moon seal replacement for tips. GL

[@myRatchets]

No the tranny doesnt have to be touched if you are replacing the seals. Only reason the tranny would need to be removed is to replace the rear main seal which very rarely leaks, you probably have a leak from your valve cover gasket or cam seal or the other seals I mentioned earlier and the leak has reached down below the engine and might have confused the person looking at your car.

[@jrboy2266]

What about change the valve cover gasket on the other side?

[@emirarnautovic6671]

hello..One question please...If I only want to change camshaft CAP...Do I need to remove all this or is there easier way, without removing valve cover and all this? Thank you..

[@myRatchets]

Hi, you will have to remove all the parts I removed in the video. GL

[@armandohilario]

how long its dry the black silicon on valve cover gasket

[@mehnlo]

I didn’t lube the cam seal on my Subaru 03 forester. The engine is still mounted in the stand with the valve cap already on and valve cover. Should I take everything off and lube the seals? Or can I get away with it?

[@alfredocarpaneto5976]

I have done it both ways and on the ones I did not oil up they have never leaked or popped out, usually there is enough residual oil on the head surface to sufficiently seal them up.

[@TheNoobComment]

How many Camshaft Oil Seal do i need? 4 total or just two?

[@90sKidsSchoolLibrary]

Vw service dealership just replaced my valve cover yesterday and now there is nothing but white smoking coming from the tail pipe. I'm starting to think vw did not do the job correctly because this is not normal. I'm taking the car back in the morning to figure out what the heck is going on. Have you seen anything like this before?

[@myRatchets]

If you have white smoke due to anything they could've done its probably because they didnt put the breather hoses back on correctly or one of them might have cracked due to old age/mishandling! Dont go to a stealership, find a good independent shop and work with them instead. GL

[@90sKidsSchoolLibrary]

Yes after today I am done with them. They are saying I need a new vacuum pump and said that there was oil dripping from vacuum pump. I never heard of such a thing. No check engine light is on and all of a sudden the smoke is gone. I am pissed that they are claiming all of this work needs to be done on a 2006 with not many miles on it.

[@justinbmx22]

is there a certain amount of torque for any of the screws?

[@DaytonCarCare]

Never understood why they put the CPS in the back instead of the front like other cars they make.

[@BeatriceCheeFunVideo]

Some reason cam shaft holder will not fit on mine any advice

[@mardik1990]

hi i vw passat v6 2.8 i have a 2,3,5 cylinder misfire i toked to mechanic they said i had problem vs coil pack and plugs paid aroud 500 to change them after changing it was good after 2 days the same problem came back i checked by my self spark plug tubes has a oil on it i cleaned but somehow its keep coming back when i clean it it runs good any sugestion ? plz help if u know something

[@surfercalaveralfc]

Him have you replaced the half-moon gasket from the cam tensioner? Thanks.

[@Nikost1987]

hmm...thank you very much once again for all the information!!! i have also something else to ask...won't i also have to change the cam chain tensioner seal and the valley plugs..? if yes/or no how i will know..? and how exactly can that be done..? if i don't change the cam chain tensioner will the oil leaks stop..? i am asking because i watched a couple videos from blauparts. com and i'm trying to learn if i can avoid going through all the trouble their showing on their videos..like..

[@saulramirez5362]

Is the left side the same process?

[@TheLegendaryt2]

Aren't there cam seals on the front as well?

[@harrynj22]

Is it the same method with the glx wagon 4 motion

[@zhenji3709]

I got a 2000 v6 4motion, found oil in spark plug well. I assume replacing VCG would fix the problem, is it right? Also, yours is 2002, any difference between 2000 and 2002 models? Thanks in advance.

[@myRatchets]

when you remove the valve cover you'll see a seal for the spark plug well.. you'll need to replace that. It should come with your VCG, and no difference between 00-02 V6. gl

[@zhenji3709]

+RatchetsAnd Wrenches When replace the VCG, is the silicone sealant necessary? A mechanic told me that a good gasket does not need sealant.

[@lakotapride7370]

How much do you charge for job like that

[@alexjameson3868]

How much torque are you using?

[@frankfavale4640]

hey, what was the torque for the valve cover?

[@michaelweal7721]

I found the hoses for the combination valves, in case anyone else needs to get them, you can get them at "Jim Ellis Audi Parts" in Atlanta, along with all other OEM parts for your Audis!

[@melgaspar6281]

I have a question and I was wondering if you can help me. My Audi A4 2.8 makes a scratching noise in front of the motor by the camshaft on the drivers side. Does it have a bearing or something right there? It sounds like something is not working properly.

[@melgaspar6281]

oh! is that a big problem to fix? How much will it cost to fix?

[@melgaspar6281]

What can go wrong if I don't fix it right? Most of the time I try to do it myself, but when it's the first time you tackle a new project it gets a little difficult.

[@dannybam1]

IS THERE A VIDEO ON CHANGING CAM SEAL ON DRIVER SIDE?

[@MarkfromNewYork]

It seems he is in the states so he is doing the drivers side. You are looking for the passenger side.. :)

[@jeffshadick3061]

took 2000 passat 2.8 in today and VW told me $1200 to fix cam ajustor seals on right and left bank. They advised me that i would be dealing with timing issues if i tried to do it myself and that about 5 hours of labor involved. Is this for real or am i getting the usual crap.

[@myRatchets]

Jeff Shadick the latter, watch the video.

[@neversaves]

Lol my egr hose broke also! Im at the same spot.

[@montez1031]

Hey man, I have an 99 Audi A6 Quattro Avant 2.8L. Would it be the same for it as well?

[@luissousa7920]

Thanks man godsend

[@Kayroseky]

No, thank you for uploading this great video! :D!

[@fulltrottle123]

Great simple video!! Thx :)

[@cobaltss0720]

What's the torque spec on the cam cap bolts? $

[@bnguy619]

Love your video..I need to do this to mine too. Thanks for this and thumbs to you and your video!! Subscribed as well :).

[@ericcano6387]

Hi , how many does it take of each? Thx

[@martaescuder9839]

Buen trabajo¡¡

[@mahsabnosajm]

good video thanks

[@reynaldoperez2820]

Hey what about if you have oil in the coil?

[@reynaldoperez2820]

yeah. thanks

[@reynaldoperez2820]

thanks a lot

[@99AUDI99]

Very Important: Before you replace valve cover gasket check your "In-Line Check Valve (Green)" Its located by the firewall. Remove it and blow in direction of the arrow, if you cant buy new one and replace it first. Then do valve cover gasket. Otherwise its gonna blow your Gaskets Again!

[@99AUDI99]

***** -google europaparts and put this part# 078905291B to their web site to see how part looks like. -google this: "A4 2.8 Green Check Valve Airflow?" to see audizine forum with picture. -also check or better replace "Suction Jet Pump" googe this words: "Ok lets discuss the 2.8 30v AHA / ATQ PCV System in detail..." to read more

[@99AUDI99]

***** dont forget to change "suction jet pump" too, because its hard to know if its good or not. If you never change it in 120k do it. It will slow oil leaks for cam tensioner... About smell, wait like 3-4 weeks after valve cover gaskets change, because some oil is still on the engine it will burn out, and smell may go away...

[@Nikost1987]

like unbolting the entire ftont end etc...etc..

[@PixelsBySean]

congrats

[@lakotapride7370]

Why Germany cars are so complicated

[@joshua.sanchez9689]

Nice 👍 into

[@reynaldoperez2820]

Hey can u Tag me a pic just to b sure???

[@Jessiejam-44]

You are not ASE certified !! ;) thanks

[@jenjenrw]

Can you just come fix my car? LOL