re: cperry@cotl.com

[Steve Valin <sjv@netapp.com>]

Perry, Christopher" <cperry@cotl.com> wonders:

<< Is it possible for a head gasket to be leaking oil?  Everywhere I go
I
leave a couple large drops of oil on the pavement.  When I look at the
engine the block is covered in oil but the head is clean. I have
replaced the valve cover gasket and the camshaft oil seal but still have
a leak which I swear looks like it is coming from the head gasket.

The car in question is 1990 VW Passat with a 2.0l 16v engine but I
thought I would ask the Audi collective consciousness a for any BTDT
regarding head gaskets. >>

I don't know about VW engines, but this is common on Alfa engines when
the head gasket is nearing the end of it's life.  Upon starting when
cold, a glop of oil seeps out between the head and block.  As the engine
warms up, the expanding metal pinches off the leak.  

-steve

--
Steve Valin		sjv@netapp.com         408.367.3566