What side of engine are the cam seals on?

[zipster]

My Dumb question of the day!

Is the cam shaft seals on the driver's side or passenger side of the engine? Trying to determine a oil leak. My leak is on the drivers side at two half donut holes at the top around the valve cover. It seems to be running down and following some hoses and one drip at the front and the other drip at the back of the tranny.

thanks for any info,
zip

I would like to think a new valve cover gasket would fix the leak.
Probably wishful thinking.................

[noR]

pictures would be WAY better than words, if that's an option.

[zipster]

Thanks,
Zip

[jackfrost]

sounds like the cam plugs, but i agree with ron, need some pics

[zipster]

I will try and get some pictures in the next hour or so, however, what are cam plugs and is it a big job or will a valve cover gasket set take care of it. I am really hoping to keep my costs down since I will probably be in for a axle replacement next week along with the repair of a oil leak.

thanks,
in advance,
zip

[zipster]

The oil appears to be leaking from the areas I outlined. It is two of them like little U shape indentions.

thanks,
Zip

[pencilneck]

You will need to replace your valve cover gaskets, cam adj seals and the vacuum pump (also called "Suction jet pump").

The 1.8Ts are very well known for this oil leak. What happens is the vacuum pump clogs up and this in turn jacks up the crank case pressure. Oil is getting pushed out at the cam adj seals... a thin metal shim and a white half circle seal.

Now one is suppose to remove the cams and cam adj unit to replace the cam adj seals, but you don't have to. You will need a special tool to compress the cam adj unit (tool #3366) then you can remove the 4 torx bolts that secure it to the head and lift it up a little and remove the old seals and slip in the new seals. When you use tool #3366, you need to make sure the top section of the cam adj unit is as high as it will go. You can slowly turn the crank and watch it move up and down... stop when it is at a high point then install the tool. This will cause some slack to form in the chain giving you the wiggle room needed.

[zeusenergy]

Originally Posted by pencilneck

You will need to replace your valve cover gaskets, cam adj seals and the vacuum pump (also called "Suction jet pump").

The 1.8Ts are very well known for this oil leak. What happens is the vacuum pump clogs up and this in turn jacks up the crank case pressure. Oil is getting pushed out at the cam adj seals... a thin metal shim and a white half circle seal.

Now one is suppose to remove the cams and cam adj unit to replace the cam adj seals, but you don't have to. You will need a special tool to compress the cam adj unit (tool #3366) then you can remove the 4 torx bolts that secure it to the head and lift it up a little and remove the old seals and slip in the new seals. When you use tool #3366, you need to make sure the top section of the cam adj unit is as high as it will go. You can slowly turn the crank and watch it move up and down... stop when it is at a high point then install the tool. This will cause some slack to form in the chain giving you the wiggle room needed.

UGH- I have the same leak Wheee!!!!!!

[Billsbug]

Originally Posted by pencilneck

The 1.8Ts are very well known for this oil leak. What happens is the vacuum pump clogs up and this in turn jacks up the crank case pressure. Oil is getting pushed out at the cam adj seals...

Is this an inevitable occurrence in all 1.8T NB's?

[zeusenergy]

Originally Posted by Billsbug

Is this an inevitable occurrence in all 1.8T NB's?

If it is, then we are gonna end up being pros changing them out!
I don't like the sound of a "special tool" tho. Maybe when I do mine I'll figure out a way to make one.
I'd love to see what the tool looks like!!! I really need to get the Ebahn subscription.

[noR]

yep

But this should give you an idea.

[zeusenergy]

Originally Posted by noR

yep

But this should give you an idea.

That's an odd shape... But do-able.

[beetlejuice]

Pencilneck,
I have the same problem at 60K miles.
Where is the suction jet pump?
Can it be easily un-clogged or replaced to lessen the leak?
b

[pencilneck]

They tend to live just under the intake.


www.ecstuning.com.

Now some of them may have a formed hard plastic line on them that if one is very careful and heat up and remove the clogged on and stuff a new one back in.

As for cleaning one out... sure I guess it could be done... but they cost under $30, just replace it. We don't collect brake dust and try to glue it back onto the brake pads.

Once the cam adj seals start leaking, they are done for. I guess replacing just the vacuum pump would lessen the leak, but the damage has already been done.

IMHO, said vacuum pumps are an item that wear (or rather clog) and most likely should just be replaced like every 40K miles. Having said that, I've seen some cars 1.8Ts with 100K miles on them and pretty much no leaks, and some with 30K on them dumping oil. Go figure.

[beetlejuice]

Pencilneck, you da man! Extremely knowlegeable.
Una pregunta mas.
Does this have to be done when the timing belt is replaced any way? I'm looking at that soon. Don't know if I can tackle this at home, though.
Thanks, again.
b

[beetlejuice]

Sorry, one more question. Will this condition cause the engine to stumble on cold start-up for just a bit?
b

[billymade]

That could be the temp sensor; I put a new one in and the cold start problems went away and now I am getting much better gas milage, as well! Here is a how to: http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=1287042

[beetlejuice]

Thanks, did that some time ago. Also replaced spark plugs and one bad (#3) coil recently. Might have other pre-failure coils. Cold-start stumble is annoying.
b

[pencilneck]

Cold start issues can be a 1.8T thing that they just do.

There have been different reflashes for this very thing, I think VW just came out with another one for the 2005 1.8T. Best thing you can do is call your local dealer up with your VIN handy and see if your car is open for any reflashes or any other recalls (brake light switches for everyone!!!).

What kind of spark plugs are being used. If they are not OEM, then fix that. Pretty much all VW engines are very picky about spark plugs and the Bosch Platinums you get at Pep Boys are not the correct plug.

Vacuum leaks can be another cause. There are a few hoses that tend to "rot" and un-metered air makes for an unhappy engine.

[beetlejuice]

Back to topic, I bought a suction jet pump at my local VW dealer and just have to get some small hose clamps as the original ones are not adjustable/re-usable. It is located just above the intake plenum on the front of the engine. I, also need to replace one of the little vacuum check valves right on top of the engine because it is deteriorating.

Re the plugs, a whole-other-story, I installed AC-Delco platinums - I was rushed, they didn't have the NGKs - and these seem to work fine except for this stumble at start-up, which pre-existed the plug change anyway. I think it is vacuum related.
b