What Are The Symptoms Of Bad Valve Seals In Audi?

An internal combustion engine relies on different types of valves to stay operational. Intake valves allow smooth flow of air-fuel mixture into the combustion chamber. Exhaust valves ensure exhaust air out. The timing of opening and closing of these valves helps the engine to operate smoothly and efficiently. The engine control module or ECM regulates the opening and closing of these valves. It also regulates the air-intake system, fuel delivery system, and ignition system. A slight deviation in the timing of valve operation could cause engine misfire and stalling in your vehicle.

Valve seal helps to maintain compression within the combustion chamber and prevents the leakage of combustion gases. It keeps the valve properly lubricated. It also prevents the seepage of motor oil into the combustion chamber of the engine. Cracks or leaks in the valve seal could adversely affect the engine operation in your vehicle. So, signs of bad valve seals in your Audi should not be overlooked. Efforts should be made to identify and replace the defective valve seals in your Audi. Let's find out some of the most common reasons behind valve seal failure in a vehicle.

What causes valve seals to fail?

An internal combustion engine burns air-fuel mixture within its combustion chamber to generate the mechanical power that keeps a vehicle propelled. Extreme temperature and pressure within the engine could damage valve seals in your Audi. Moreover, improper installation could cause premature valve seal wear. Aging is another important factor responsible for valve seal failure. A defective valve seal could kill the engine in your Audi. Have a look at some of the most common signs of a worn-out valve seal in a vehicle.

How to tell if valve seals are leaking?

Unusual exhaust smoke

Motor oil should not be able to reach the combustion chamber of the engine. Seepage of engine oil into the combustion chamber through the leaks or cracks in the valve seals could generate thick blue-gray exhaust smoke. Your Audi might fail an emission test. It could also trigger major engine-related problems in the long run. So, if you are noticing unusual exhaust smoke in your Audi, then check the condition of valve seals immediately and replace the defective ones.

Lack of power

Optimal compression is really necessary to keep the engine operational. Valve seal maintains compression within the combustion chamber of the engine and prevents the leakage of the air-fuel mixture. However, the leaking valve seal fails to do so which could adversely affect the engine compression in your Audi. You might also notice a lack of acceleration. Replace the damaged valve seals in your vehicle as soon as possible to keep the engine operation optimal.

Strange engine noise

It is one of the most obvious signs of worn-out valve seals in a vehicle. If you notice popping or ticking noise coming from the engine while trying to accelerate, then you might have a faulty valve seal. The noise could get louder over time.

Oil Consumption inclines

Drainage of motor oil into the combustion chamber through the leaks in the intake or exhaust valve seals could cause higher oil consumption in your vehicle. Lack of lubrication due to the leakage of motor oil could adversely affect the engine operation in your Audi. So, check the motor oil level regularly and fix the defects in the system responsible for higher fuel consumption in your Audi.

Rough idling

Rough idling and stalling indicate that the engine of your Audi has some serious defects that need immediate attention. Damaged valve seals might be responsible for such unusual engine behavior.

How to fix leaking valve stem seals?

You can use an oil-leak additive to the engine of your Audi to temporarily fix the valve seal leak. However, replace the damaged valve seal in your vehicle to keep the engine healthy and operational. Contact a reliable car repair shop near you to fix the defects in the engine of your Audi.

Sum up

Bad valve seals could adversely affect the engine operation in your Audi. It could cause irreparable damages to the engine. So, symptoms of valve seal failure in your vehicle should never be neglected. Replace the faulty valve seal immediately to keep the engine of your Audi operational.

M Service, INC. is one of the most popular auto repair shops in the Walnut Creek area that is having years of experience in looking after European cars Land Rover, Audi, BMW, Mini, Mercedes, and Porsche. At M Service, INC.