Q: My 2008 VW Touareg v8 4.2FSI is leaking oil on top of engine and running down the front of engine.

asked by on January 24, 2017

Oil leak on top of engine and running down the front of the engine. What is required to fix it? Starting to smell it a little inside the cabin.

My car has 130000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Valve cover gasket is leaking Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

Hello. The most common leak on the front of this engine is the valve cover gaskets. They tend to leak and cause this to occur. Most of the time the engine will need to be cleaned in order to locate the source of the leak. In some cases dye will also need to be added to be able to pinpoint the location of the leak. If you need to have this found, consider YourMechanic, as a certified mechanic can come to you to [locate and repair the oil leak] https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/valve-cover-gasket-is-leaking-inspection

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

How does the Maintenance Minder™ work?
It can be tough to keep up with maintenance like oil changes and tire rotations. Even if the shop you use remembers to put the reminder sticker in your windshield, it can still slip your mind. The Maintenance Minder™ on...
Dsc malfunction, engine service soon, and engine malfunction reduced power.
The most common cause for the DSC coming on is a speed sensor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/speed-sensor-replacement) at one of the wheels not working properly. The Check Engine Light comes on anytime a critical system is having a problem. The reduced speed is...
Need diagram of firing order on distributor to connect plug wires
An accurate firing order diagram can be found online by typing "01 diamante firing order" in the search bar. An accurate diagram is required, as the vehicle will not run properly if the firing ignition wires are not installed in...
Still overheating after replacing thermostat and radiator.
Hello, thanks for writing in. I suggest having the engine diagnosed by a mechanic to see if the cooling fans are working like they should, and if they have overheated, then see if engine head gasket is blown. I also...
Radiator keeps blowing coolant back into holding tank
Hi, thanks for writing in. This is a sign that you may need to have the radiator system burped. This is a process that is used to relieve the air in the system which can cause the coolant to overflow...
My AC blower motor blows like it's on low no matter what I turn it to. Any ideas?
The blower control switch on the dashboard controls the circuit flow of the blower motor to adjust the voltage from low, to medium, to medium-high, to high. When on high, the circuit bypasses the blower resistor. The blower resistor will...
what would be the average cost to own my vehicle over a ten year period
Typical "lifecycle" vehicle ownership and operation costs, such as you are inquiring about, are calculated on a 5 year interval. Going out 10 years has too much inherent uncertainly in inflation projections, and the costs of fuel, insurance, and repairs....
Dome lights will not turn on when door opened, radio will not turn off when car is off and door is opened.
Hello, thank you for writing in. The vehicle is likely having issues with the door switch which activates/shuts down both circuits. This is going to look like a peg in the door frame next to the hinge. The peg that...
Cost to replace engine in a 2002 BMW 325i
Hi Ernesto. Thanks for sending in your question. Unfortunately, replacing an engine is not a service our mobile mechanics could offer, so you'll have to contact a local BMW specialist to receive an estimate for replacing the engine on your...

Related articles

How to Buy a Good Quality Oil Pump
The The movement of metal against metal in your engine can cause a great deal of friction and heat, which is tough on even the most durable metal parts. Metal-on-metal parts require a steady supply of high-quality motor oil to...
How Long Does a Cold Air Intake Last?
The The cold air intake’s purpose is to help bring cool air into the vehicle’s engine. It does not come standard on modern vehicles. Instead, it is an aftermarket part that can be added once you purchase the car. If...
How Long Does an Oil Pan Last?
The The oil that is contained in your engine is helps to lubricate all of the moving parts that your motor has. Making sure that the oil stays at the right levels should be one of the top concerns that...