Here are some basic how to steps for inspecting the drivers side and passenger side Vw cam tensioner gaskets and Vw valve cover gaskets of a V6 models to see if they are leaking oil.

Checking Vw V6 driver's side of valve cover gasket/cam tensioner gasket oil leak:

1. Remove your splash pan (a.k.a. belly pan).
2. Look to see if you have oil coming down on the drivers side front of the engine. In the early stages the oil runs down the rear timing belt cover. In the later stages it leaks right above the oil cooler and on to the oil filter. Do you have oil residue on the splash pan in the same area (Image 1)?
3. Remove the drivers side Vw valve cover decorative plastic trim (says 5v on it).
4. Examine the front lower corner of the Vw valve cover area right where the 2 pin electrical connector attaches to the Vw cam chain tensioner assembly and the Vw cam chain tensioner meets the back side of the timing belt cover (see Image 2). As shown in the picture, note the oil leaking near the Vw cam tensioner electrical plug area. Too, note the oil leaking onto the Vw A/C compressor and Vw power steering hose. All of the oil residue is because the Vw cam tensioner gasket and/or Vw valve cover gasket is leaking oil and needs repair.

Checking Vw V6 passenger's side of valve cover gasket/cam tensioner gasket oil leak:

1. It is difficult from the passengers side of the engine bay compartment to determine if an Vw valve cover gasket or Vw cam tensioner gasket is leaking. This is because the Vw cam tensioner is on the rear of the passenger side cylinder head right next to the fire wall. The mass air flow intake tube is also in the way and obstructs any visual view of the Vw cam chain tensioner.
2. The best way to inspect for a possible Vw cam tensioner gasket oil leak on 2.7L turbo models is to look for oil dripping down onto turbocharger (see picture). The best way to inspect for a possible Vw cam tensioner gasket oil leak on 2.8L 30V is to look for oil dripping down onto the passenger side exhaust down pipe (header pipe). This is best viewed from putting the car on a auto lift. If there is oil on the turbocharger or exhaust down pipe (header pipe) it causes a foul burning oil odor into the passenger side of the engine bay area which travels into interior of your Vw. There can also be oil smoke coming up from the back side of the engine near the fire wall. If you smell this or see the oil smoke your Vw cam tensioner gasket or Vw valve cover gasket is leaking oil and needs repair.

Vw valve cover gaskets are sold under the following Genuine O.E. part numbers: 058 198 218, 051 103 483A, 078 198 025, 078 103 483C, 078 103 483J, 058 198 025A, 034 198 025A, 034 198 025D, 034 198 025F, 077 198 025, 077 198 025A, 026 198 025A, 027 198 025.