C4 juddering and potential oil leak

[DanCD]

Hi all,

I was wondering if anyone can help me.

Over the past couple of weeks my car has started juddering, particularly at lower revs and when cool. It continued for a few days, but I thought nothing of it. Then one day after work i was stuck in stop-start traffic and the engine management light came on and I could hear that the radiator was on full whack for about 5 mins before shutting off again.

When I got home I took a look at the engine and checked all the levels, the coolant was just a little below the minimum so I topped that up straight away and the oil level was fine. However, I noticed that there was a large patch of oil coming from around the whole of the engine bay between the plastic top and the engine block, so I thought there may be a leak from the rocker gasket? I've attached a picture.

I haven't driven it much since and noticed that after topping up the coolant the engine management light has gone off, but the juddering is still there and I still have the problem with the potential oil leak. In addition, the engine seems to sound off and is making a sort of clicking noise when ticking over.

Has anybody had any of these issues before and does anybody know what the problem(s) could be?

Cheers,
Dan

[GiveMeABreak]

Hi Dan, I'll have a look at the leak diagnostics, but need your VIN to ensure I have the correct model and engine.

[GiveMeABreak]

Ok, so looking at the leak diagnostics and the area that you have indicated would suggest the seal on the Cylinder Head Cover:

This has 13 bolts and a detachable seal. Possible causes if the leak is from this area:

- Incorrect tightening of the fixing bolts
- Faulty seal
- Absence of seal

The repair is to replace the set of seals on the Cylinder Head Cover. BUT - important to clean the area and make sure it is coming from there and not from the timing chain tensioner.

[Activa TCT]

It's one of those plasticy-head covers things.
They always leak, don't bother. Unless you undo everything, degrease it and completely seal it with rtv silicone, it will leak again. And even then, if you've done everything correctly, it may just leak again. If it's not pouring out, just a bit greasy, don't worry. If you fix the leak, everything else will start to rust badly.

Your car did overheat tho, they are very sensitive to coolant level and even a minute loss starts heating it up real bad.
Fan was on because there was no flow - sensor still sensed it was hot.

[DanCD]

Thanks for your reply guys, really appreciate it!

So what would be the best thing to do? Get a new seal and replace the old one? or just leave it? Could leaving it until it gets really bad not cause me more serious problems down the line? Any idea on what torque the valve cover bolts need to be tightened to?

Where abouts is the timing chain tensioner? I'll have a look at that too.

Do you think it was overheating because of the gasket leak or due to something wrong with the coolant? or are the two link? Sorry for my naivety, i'm not that knowledgeable when it comes to engines!