So i was messing with my car the other day due to hearing a valve tick noise... Checked oil levels noticed i was a half quart low.... *Last change was 2800 miles ago* So just got it changed today. Solved that problem. Got curious started looking around motor to see if i was maybe leaking and sure enough i think the valve cover gaskets are starting to go. I noticed there is oil build up and a small pool on the intake manifold by the valve cover on the rear by the firewall. Considering the local mechanic wants 560 to replace the valve cover gaskets and intake manifold gasket * Doin intake cause i figure while i have everything apart might as well do that one to i have close to 85k miles* How hard is it to do it my sell? Looking at it it looks pretty simple. Do i have to undo the wishbones to get the front cover off? Any advice before i tackle this mission lol. Or anything to watch out for when taking everything apart?

 

These engines are really easy to work on, as long as you have a good memory of what goes where, or you take pictures, or (best route) just buy a manual.

I recommend having a good set of tools (torque wrenches, in/lb and ft/lb), and honestly... I would do all the gaskets INCLUDING the LIM gasket because that one has a very very high failure rate.

Just get a complete gasket kit for the engine and start replacing

 

X2 on doing the LIM gasket and Valve cover gaskets. Both have a very high rate of failure on the 3800.

 

Appreciate the advice. Got plenty of tools so im ready to go. And thanks for the advice on taking pictures lol I tend to forget where things go all the time so that helps! Thanks! And im def goin to get a manual first just in case.

 

When the engine is sitting on the ground, it takes all of 10 minutes to break out the right tools and change a valve cover gasket. Be sure to scrap all of the old gasket off and use a little gasket sealer underneath the new gasket to help it bond to the metal. How hard it will be to change these things with the wya the engine sits in the car, I don't know. To change all of hte gaskets with the Lower Intake and all that has been mentioned, and since it sounds like you've never done it, atleast not on this car, you may want to plan on taking a good Saturday afternoon to do it.

 

Look at your headlights, hideous JK

But Ill agree with what Mike says.

 

Ive rebuilt the top end ona 350... but it was carburated no ac etc lol so yea this will def take me an afternoon so i can make sure i put everything back where it goes. And thanks Enzo lol. I like them that way.... >:P

 

You two need to get off here and go to an audi forum!!! Yes Yes, JK, I think we had a discussion about those enzo, didnt we?? Somthing about an *** on another forum?