Oil Leak Questions 95 V6

[Richard J. Andrews]

>
>Among a couple of minor problems, I was told that there was an oil leak at
>the valve covers. I bought the car (my first Audi) and I love it. The odour
>of very hot motor oil that comes from under the hood does concern me,
>although the oil consumption is quite moderate, as judged by this novice
>(1/2 to 3/4 litres in 5,000 km).

your oil consumption is about on par..

>-2nd opinion -- snip --He says that it is the head gasket and that it 
>should be dealt with ASAP. He
>also said that one of the cat's has been replaced and that is often an
>indication of a head gasket problem causing fouling.

don't go to this guy he wants all of your money, it could be a head gasket, 
but doubt it.
best bet is do as the 3rd guy said and clean and then inspect for where the 
leak is coming from.
don't replace a head gasket when a valve cover gasket is all that is leaking..
i bet he failed to mention that one of the cat's was replaced under recall.
the 93-94's v6's had more of the head gasket issues the 95+ were better as 
i understand it

>I wanted a third opinion and took it to a local non-Audi shop. I was told
>there was a very slight leak near the rear of the engine and not to worry.,
>but that I'd need to clean the engine and then look for leaks to be certain.
>This fellow runs a 1-man shop and I see him as honest and competent, within
>his limited (domestic) experience. I have to believe that he can see a
>problem oil leak, even on an unfamiliar engine.

This last guy sounds like the best bet to listen to on this issue.
not that it might not be a head gasket, but come on, the 2nd guy should of 
cleaned the engine off
and looked for the source before spouting off headgasket, again the cat was 
a recall. so that is BS IMO.


HTH!
rich
'86 4kq