Visual Engine Inspection

PROCEDURE

Inspect the engine from above and from below.

Lightly oil-soiled areas are not cause for concern; all engines occasionally 'sweat' a small amount of lubricant.

However, you must determine the cause of oil spots under a parked vehicle and of heavy oil contamination on the engine housing.

Clean the engine with engine cleaner or a steam jet cleaner.

After a test drive (a few kilometres is sufficient), check where the oil is leaking from.

Possible leak locations
Below is a brief list of places where oil may leak from an Audi engine:

Crankshaft, camshaft(s) and intermediate shaft (4-cylinder engine) seals. These areas are covered by the timing belt cover
Cylinder head cover gasket.

Cylinder head gasket.

Distributor seal (models with 4- and 5-cylinder engines).

Hydraulically operated switches.

Oil filter gasket.

Oil filter mounting gasket (models with 4-cylinder engines).

Oil pan gasket.

Rear crankshaft seal (oil leaks along the parting flange between engine and transmission housing).

Note: the engine can be washed at so-called car wash centres that offer self-service steam jet equipment. For heavy soiling, it is recommended to spray the engine with engine cleaner before washing and let it act for some time. Be sure to wear suitable work clothing.