Volkswagens are known for having reliable engines, but they would be far less trustworthy without one key component: the valve cover gasket. Although this component often flies under the radar of layman’s chatter, it plays a very important role in protecting your VW’s engine from damage. As such, you should make sure that it is checked, repaired, and/or replaced regularly at your oil changes and checkups. Otherwise, you might find yourself facing some very expensive engine repairs.
The Purpose of the Valve Cover Gasket
Assuming that there is nothing seriously wrong with your Volkswagen, on top of its engine sits a metal cover, which is commonly referred to as the valve cover. Between the valve cover and the engine itself resides the valve cover gasket, which is a thin strip of cork or rubber. Together, the valve cover and the valve cover gasket play two important roles: they keep oil in your vehicle’s engine and external debris out of it.
The valve cover gasket prevents oil leaks and protects the engine’s more delicate components from becoming scratched or dented. If the valve cover gasket is working properly, it should make the engine a sealed system that can only be accessed by fully removing the valve cover.
Common Causes of Gasket Malfunctions
Unfortunately, although your VW’s valve cover gasket is built to last for quite a while, there is a strong chance that it will someday break down over time with wear and tear. Whenever you turn your vehicle’s engine on, it exposes the valve cover gasket to a great deal of heat. Over time, this may cause the valve cover gasket to warp and crack, which can lead to oil leaks and engine contamination.
In addition to regular wear and tear, several other factors may cause your vehicle’s valve cover gasket to malfunction. For example, one common cause of valve cover gasket problems is the absence of one of the valve cover screws. Because these screws help keep the valve cover and its gasket in place, the absence of one of them might cause the valve cover to slip, creating a gap between the valve cover gasket and the engine.
Furthermore, another common cause of valve gasket failure is engine overheating. If your Volkswagen’s engine overheats, it might expose the valve cover gasket to more heat than the component can stand, causing the gasket to warp and twist. As such, it is important to take precautions to prevent your vehicle’s engine from overheating, such as always ensuring it has adequate levels of oil and coolant.
Symptoms of Gasket Failure
In nearly all cases, valve cover gasket failure will result in an oil leak. Therefore, the best way to identify a valve cover gasket malfunction is by looking for signs of an oil leak. For example, one of the most common symptoms of a valve cover gasket issue is a burning oil smell. Because the valve cover gasket is located next to several components that heat up when the engine is running, such as the cylinder head and exhaust pipes, any oil that leaks from it will likely fall on these components and be incinerated. If you notice the smell of burning oil coming from your vehicle’s engine, the problem may lie with the valve cover gasket.
Another potential indicator of valve cover gasket problems is low engine oil levels. If your vehicle’s valve cover gasket springs a severe leak, the engine will eventually lose enough oil that it will trigger the computer to illuminate the check engine oil light on your vehicle’s dashboard.
Of course, several other problems can lead to the illumination of this light. However, these problems are also quite severe, so if your vehicle’s check engine oil light ever turns on, the wisest course of action is to have a professional mechanic diagnose the problem.
European Service Center Will Help
The valve cover gasket is a significant part of your Volkswagen, and identifying and fixing gasket failure can be a tricky process. Fortunately, you don’t have to go it alone, as European Service Center is here to help.
Since 1979, our talented mechanics have provided repairs and service to customers in Alpharetta, Chamblee, Norcross, Dunwoody, Buckhead, Roswell, and Atlanta, GA. We’d love to help you keep your VW in top-notch shape, so give us a call today to find out what we can do for you!