Valve cover

[TurboTJ]

I have a large amount of oil coming out of the left side of the valve cover. Its on the tranny side of the engine, further back than the valve cover breather. there is a hole about an inch in diameter that appears to have something spinning inside (cam shaft?). Is there supposed to be a cover over this?
96 TSI AWD 5spd

 

[TurboTJ]

Here is a link to a pic of it of the virtual engine on this site. supposively this is where the camshaft angle sensor is supposed to be. Mine has nothing there but still runs just fine (except for the oil leak). Any ideas
http://members.shaw.ca/dsm.1000q/Engineprimer/2G/cas.htm

 

[ielaser]

Is it half moon shaped?

Edit: You are right, that is where the camshaft angle sensor is supposed to be. Are you sure your car runs well? You should really find one quick.
This helps the ECU know when to fire the injectors or plugs or else the car won't run right.

 

[TurboTJ]

Doesnt really look half moon shaped, more of a complete circle. BTW on that page I linked to , i found a note that said that some early 2Gs can have a crankshaft sensor mounted else where. I think I will take it for another test drive and make sure that this is where the oil is coming from

 

[ielaser]

I don't have a 2g so I don't know if there could be something other then the cam angle sensor there.

 

[TurboTJ]

ya, can definitley see something spinning, looks like oil is spraying out under acceleration. Is that half moon thing that cames with the gasket supposed to cover this hole or is there another rubber cap that covers it that i lost?

 

[95-talontsi]

95/96 dsm's have the sensor mounted on the crankshaft. Is the valve cover cracked? You shouldnt be able to see inside the valve cover.

 

[95-talontsi]

Yes that half moon that comes with the gasket goes there. Your suppose to put that in first then put the valve cover on.

 

[TurboTJ]

so since i can see inside i probably need to replace the valve conver gasket? Doesnt seem like the half moon could cover the entire circle. The valve cover doesnt appear to be cracked.

 

[TurboTJ]

not half moon. pulled of valve cover to replace the gasket and the half circle is in a different area. There had to of been some sort of plug that blew out.

 

[Fastass96]

In the back left corner 1995-1996 is a plug/gasket. The size of a half dollar you can get it at the dealer. I have not found one at a parts houses. While I waited for mine I put a cam sensor from a 1991 in it. You have to take the valve cover off and take off the cam cap off to put it on. My freind poped his in with a hammer I would not do it. THe half moon is closer to the front of the car.

 

[95-talontsi]

Do you think you could get picture of yours? That should help us see what you are.

Is there a chance you could have a 6bolt motor swapped in?

 

[Talesin]

On the 95-96, the cam angle sensor is located behind the intake cam gear. Every other year has it on the intake cam, on the passenger side (when mounted). 95-96 have this circular hole blocked off with either a plate or a round rubber plug.

Sounds like yours blew out. Go get another from the dealer, and you may want to replace the valve cover gasket as well, as you need to pull off the VC to put that round seal in place properly.

Also, make sure your PCV is operating correctly, and that the blowby pipe isn't blocked off. Sounds like you might have generated a little over-much pressure in there, and the round seal came out like a cork from a popgun, unless whoever put the VC back on last time just somehow managed to 'forget' that particular seal.

And BE CAREFUL when putting the valve cover back on. The torque on those bolts is rated in inch-pounds, not foot-pounds. It's an EXTREMELY fine line between too loose and getting oil seep, or too tight and cracking your valve cover (then getting oil EVERYWHERE, and having your car run like crap). It's almost just barely past finger tight... if possible, borrow an inch-pound torque wrench from Autozone, if your local one has that tool on their loaner list. And follow the pattern to tighten it down. And make sure you don't (er... what's a synonym for c*ck, in this respect?) the new gasket. :b
If you can't tell, I just recently had to remove and replace my own valve cover.

 

[Fastass96]

Here is a picture of mine with it in there

 

[TurboTJ]

Thanks for the help. I have already removed the valve cover and will order the plug on monday. The auto shop kept trying to convince me that the half moon goes in there but you guys are exactly right. I was going to put a breather on the vavle cover but saw that there are too lines going to it. (one on back and one on side) I assume that i should put a breather filter on the side one?
Thanks for all the help

 

[Talesin]

The 'back' (toward the throttle cables, fuel injectors and intake manifold, on the left in the picture above) hole is for the PCV valve. Again, careful when screwing it in, can crack the VC if you do it too tight.

The one you want to put a breather (or in-line filter) on is the one on the passenger side... the blow-by vent hole (closest to the camera in the picture above, usually has a 'nipple' sticking out). Both can get oil into your intake system, and a few places sell combined breathers/catchcans with inputs for both the PCV and blowby hoses, if you want to shell out. Be aware that if you DO get any blowby with a simple breather filter, it'll spray oil all over the inside of your engine bay.

 

[TurboTJ]

Thanks for the help. Im knew to DSMs so i wasnt sure if there was something there. I will get the cap in this week and a breather or catch can put on that. Thanks again