1998 vw golf...(cam gasket cover)

calledforduty · 08-10-2012 8:23pm #1

hi to all
looking abit of help
changed my spark plugs a while ago..noticed oil in 2 of the chambers
put it down to the cam gasket cover
just wondering is it a d.i.y job or have i to get the head skimmed... timing belt and water pump...all that lark
help be great lads....:cool:

George Dalton · 08-10-2012 8:31pm

Which engine?

calledforduty · 08-10-2012 8:32pm

1.4 engine

George Dalton · 08-10-2012 8:37pm

1.4 16v Mk4?

If so then there is a lot of work involved in stopping the oil leak compared to most other engines. The 1.4 16v engine doesn't have a conventional cam cover, instead the cams are contained in a holder which is bolted into the top of the cylinder head. To remove this for re-sealing means removing the timing belt. There is no gasket so you use silicone type instant gasket to help it to seal.

Almost all of them leak a certain amount of oil into the spark plug wells. Unless it is really excessive it won't cause any running issues so there is a good argument to be made for leaving well enough alone.

calledforduty · 08-10-2012 8:41pm

nice 1 george
dosent seem to be a diy job.....dammm
its a lot of money getting head skimmed +water pump and timing belt
pain in my face putting oil in it.....nct coming up aswell.......
anyway tks for that

George Dalton · 08-10-2012 8:48pm

You wouldn't have to get the head skimmed. The head itself doesn't have to be removed, only the upper cover containing the cams.

The small amount of oil leaking into the spark plug wells won't be causing you to top up with oil all the time. That will be down to the fact that all the 1.4 16v engines have an appetite for the stuff once they get to a certain age/mileage.

calledforduty · 08-10-2012 8:52pm

98.000 on the clock........sometimes the cars a bit sluggish .....but teres no leaks anywere else on the car
would it be the rocker cover gasket or they similar

George Dalton · 08-10-2012 8:55pm

Cam cover and rocker cover are different names for the same thing. So in this case there isn't one.

If you are topping up with oil regularly and there are no visible leaks on the engine then the engine is burning the oil. As I said above almost all of these engines burn oil to some extent. If you want it sorted out then an engine rebuild is the only lasting solution. It probably isn't worth it on a 98 Golf tbh.

calledforduty · 08-10-2012 9:00pm

yea dont think a rebuild be worth it.... probably best to leave it till i win the lotto
run it over with my big foot truck....then burn it
ya be more than welcome to the bashing george
tks for the help

1998 vw golf...(cam gasket cover)

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