Replaced Intake Manifold Gasket

I had error codes 491 and 492 and the fllowing errors on VCDS.  Replaced the gasket on the intake manifold and no more error codes. I think the gaskets get old and brittle after 15 years and they need to be replaced. This should get me better gas mileage and better engine performance. I will give an update in a month or so with the mas mileage. But I can already tell my engine has more power. The noise or hissing I heard was from air rushing in under intake manifold. The car is a 2001.5 VW Passat with 2.8 liter V6. It has approx 115k miles on it.

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VW Passat/Audi A4 New Rear Shocks DIY

Here is a detailed DIY on replacing the shocks on a 1999 VW passat. 2001.5 and newer have a different design.  The newer cars require a coil compressor.   But I think everything older is of this design and are fairly easy to do. It is a 3 part video.  Just follow the links in the comments section of each video to find the other parts. Hope this helps.  Also I would encourage everyone with an older (15 years) VW to change all your shocks.  The improvement in ride is great and your tires will wear better.  I show you in video# 2 how to tell if your shocks are bad. Another suggestion is to buy new shock mounts when you  order the shocks.  My mounts were well worn and need replacing.

VW Passat b5 Audi A4 Valve Cover Gasket

Well over time I have had to redue my valve cover gaskets a couple times.  I found it best to place gasket making material, silicon or RTV on each end of the engine and mainly on the lower side.  Here are a couple pictures.Another thing to look into if your gasket keeps blwoing out is replace your PCV system.   The PCV will get clogged and then the pressure builds up.  The weekest point is the gasket so it will cause it too leak.  According to my son you can get a oil cap that has a vent to relieve the pressure.  I have not looked into this yet.