Engine - Valve Cover Oil Leak Diagnosis

Condition

Valve Cover, Diagnosing Oil Leakage from Gaskets





15 07 01 Jan. 19, 2007, 2010619, supersedes Technical Bulletin Group 15 number 04-03 dated Oct. 1, 2004 due to inclusion in ElsaWeb.

Technical Background
Misdiagnosis of oil leakage from valve cover gaskets may cause unnecessary replacement of camshaft adjusters and / or camshaft adjuster gaskets.

Production Solution
N/A

Service

WARNING:
This test procedure is applicable to automatic transmission-equipped vehicles only. DO NOT perform this test on a manual transmission-equipped vehicle as it may result in personal injury.





Measure internal crankcase pressure as follows:
- Connect pressure gauge, see Required Parts and Tools, to oil dipstick tube, using a suitable rubber hose
- Set pressure gauge to "R" position (arrow).
- Block wheels with wheel chocks.
- Fully apply parking brake.





- Connect VAS 5051 or VAS 5052.
- Switch ignition ON.
- From Start-up screen, select "Vehicle Self-Diagnosis" .
- Select " 01 - Engine Electronics" .





- Select "08 - Read Measuring Value Block".
- Enter "120" on keypad to select "Channel 120" .
- Select "Q" button to confirm.
- Start vehicle.
- Fully apply brake pedal.
- Shift transmission into "D".

WARNING:
Make sure that wheel chocks are in place and parking brake and brake pedal are fully applied, or personal injury may occur.





- Slowly depress accelerator pedal until engine reaches 1600 RPM (white arrow), and torque reaches 120 Nm (black arrow).

NOTE:
Do not remain in above condition longer than 5 seconds, or torque converter damage may occur.

Under above condition:
- Crankcase pressure must not be higher than 30 mbar (0.43 PSI).

If crankcase pressure exceeds 30 mbar (0.43 PSI):
- Replace crankcase ventilation lines and suction jet pump, if applicable.

If crankcase pressure is below 30 mbar (0.43 PSI):
- Clean oil-contaminated areas thoroughly.
- Locate exact origin of any possible oil leak using an Engine Oil Leak Tracer (obtain locally).
- Perform an extensive test drive to confirm any possible oil leak.

NOTE:
In case parts are replaced, perform an extensive test drive to verify that the oil leak has been eliminated.

Warranty
Information only

Required Parts and Tools





No Special Parts required