I just spent the last week or so doing a bunch of maintenance on my 2001 A4 2.8 Quattro with ATQ engine. I replaced the timing belt, water pump, system belt, cam adjuster seals, end caps, half-moon seals, and valve cover gaskets.

I initially had the issue of oil smell in the cabin, which I found out was oil leaking on the exhaust manifold, which is why I replaced the seals and gaskets. I just got my car started today and drove it not two minutes before oil was burning pretty significantly off the exhaust manifold on both passenger and driver sides. Any idea as to what could be the issue?

 

Double-check the valve cover gaskets. When you align them on the heads they look too big and it's easy to get a corner sticking out and allowing oil to pass. If you pull the covers again and reset the gaskets you'll probably fix it. The 1.8T is an easy install but the 2.8 is a little trickier and it's easy to mislay the gaskets.

 

Thanks, I'll have to take a look at it tomorrow. Is there anything I should do to install the gasket other than RTV sealant in the corners? It just seems odd that it would happen on both sides after installing both gaskets, right?

 

If you position them correctly and carefully no RTV is needed. Get a friend to come over and hold the back corners while you keep an eye on the fronts during the reinstall of the cover.

 

Any news on whether reseating the gaskets fixed the leak? I've got this on my "to-do" list in the near future and this thread may be invaluable to me when it's my turn.

 

I drove it 20 miles through town today and I haven't smelled or seen smoke. I hope it was just oil that spilled on the exhaust manifold during the installation. I really hope so...

 

check the cam plugs on the back of the motor. They are black round half dollar sized plugs. they are easy to change and pretty cheap.