Oil leak from Camshaft Control Valve?

[99Reza]

So after returning from holiday for two weeks I noticed a small puddle of oil underneath the driver's side engine bay. It appeared to drip from the belly pan, curious, I popped the hood and traced the leak. There were a reasonably sized already dried up oil on the bottom of the pan. No engine light yet and Tig still drives fine.

Called in nearest VW service centre to get looked at as well as service as it was due. Dropped it in this morning and received a phone call mid morning advising that Camshaft Control Valve need replacement, parts has to be ordered from Sydney and will likely take two days. The chap advised that it's safe to drive the car in the meantime.

Few questions; Is this a fairly common issue for this engine? Should I look out for anything further down the track? Should I be worried with the health of the engine as I have a feeling that I have driven the car for quite sometimes before the symptoms is apparent?

Thanks in advance for any advises

[Transporter]

Yes, quite common.
It doesn't affect the life of the engine.

[99Reza]

Cheers for that Transporter.

Is it due to the bad design or just wear and tear thing? Planning to tune the the car in the future, I hope the tune doesn't exacerbate the problem.

[MGV]

Hi 99,
I recently had an oil leak (very slight, hadn't begun to drip yet) from the rocker cover 'gasket' (sealant). It was repaired under warranty twice, they effed it up the 1st time ... On the invoice, there was a mention of oil leaking from the cam holder. Not sure of what that is, exactly, but wonder if it's a similar issue?
Have done around 5000k's since the repair & no sign of any oil anywhere, so that's good news!

[99Reza]

MGV: Thanks for the info mate, will definitely keep an eye for any possible leak. Parts have arrived, will arrange to drop the car sometimes next week to get the leak fix.

[Transporter]

Cheers for that Transporter.

Is it due to the bad design or just wear and tear thing? Planning to tune the the car in the future, I hope the tune doesn't exacerbate the problem.

I would say that it's design thing. The tune will not affect it.