Oil leak from both sides of the engine?

Tiny
BHAMDOC1973
  • MEMBER
  • 2010 AUDI Q5
  • 3.2L
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 141,000 MILES
I see a spot of oil when parked under the car, after jacking it up to change transmission fluid I noticed a ton of oil under the engine Finished the transmission fluid change, while car running I went under it and I first thought it was the rear main seal, but after watching for a minute I see oil seeping from both sides of motor on right and left. I cannot think of anything else other than valve covers. Can you think of anything else? It is hard to see it byes since it's so tight, and there is course a bit of oil on side of covers since they sit at an angle plus the higher miles.
Monday, April 7th, 2025 AT 1:15 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,137 POSTS
Yep, the valve covers can leak and cause this problem, I would try to use a flashlight and a small mirror to confirm the leakage, this guide can help:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-is-leaking-oil

Please go over this guide and get back to us.

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Tuesday, April 8th, 2025 AT 10:25 AM
Tiny
BHAMDOC1973
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Even though there was some oil residue on the side of both valve covers, which I didn't believe was the reason for the leak I replaced both. I also replaced the oil filter housing gasket on back of the motor, geez that was pain. Still leaked, nowhere to see anything as it's super tight, used mirrors and 3 lights to finally find out that oil was leaking on top of the transmission and then seeps on both sides down that is why I was seeing it coming down from both sides. By chance, I found out the dang oil filter cap was leaking but the leak was from back or underneath of it that is why I didn't see it. I removed it and was hoping it wasn't cracked, the cap was so tight! There is a large o ring inside and one outside for the cap, both looked good, so once I tightened it lightly no more leak, ugh, I never seen that before.
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Friday, April 18th, 2025 AT 11:42 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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It must have been spraying upwards? Thanks for letting us know.
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Saturday, April 19th, 2025 AT 9:32 AM
Tiny
BHAMDOC1973
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No not spraying just seeping from the back side of the housing, hard to see.
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Saturday, April 19th, 2025 AT 10:03 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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Okay, thanks for the update.
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Saturday, April 19th, 2025 AT 10:17 AM

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