Valve Cover Gasket

[M3TA5IN]

Hey guys, im looking at a e46 325 that has the following problem

"I just changed the valve cover gasket, and it's still leaking, so it needs a new valve cover, because it is warped and still leaking a little oil."

Is this a easy fix? Let me know what you think.

Thanks

[Hornung418]

2/10.

5/10 with VANOS included.

[llll1l1ll]

Does the person mean that the valve cover itself is warped, or that the gasket is warped? If it's the cover, just get a new cover would be my suggestion. If it's the gasket, you could reuse it, but it would be wise to get a new one. The thing with the gasket is that, from what I've seen, it needs to be carefully inserted into the grooves on the cover so it seats properly.

Either way, both are pretty easy for your average mechanic.

[danewilson77]

Cover is pretty pricey.

Follow on questions. How does he know it's warped....and why would it be warped?

[kayger12]

Cover is pretty pricey.

Follow on questions. How does he know it's warped....and why would it be warped?

This. Is the valve cover warped, or is the head maybe warped?

Either way, I'd have all kinds of warning flags going up.

[M3TA5IN]

Cover is pretty pricey.

Follow on questions. How does he know it's warped....and why would it be warped?

Dont know, I shall ask him this.

Im looking at this one which has 130k miles on it and said problem, interior not so great.

Or a 323i that has tons of maintenance done, but it has 172k miles on it... i dunno.

[Hornung418]

Is this for you? I thought you picked up the M3?

[Ryans323i]

I <3 323i. :eeps

PS. the 325 is going to have the M50 engine, the 323i has the M52 engine.

[M3TA5IN]

I need a DD horny.

Ah thanks Ryan!

I really like the 323i. Me and the guy have been talking for a couple weeks trying to figure how we could meet.

The 172k miles scares me a little lol

[Ryans323i]

I have 193,xxx. And she runs great, seriously. Maintenance is the key.

[Hornung418]

Honestly, I'd look for a well sorted e36 318i/ti. Good on gas.

[cakM3]

Even at 172k, if the 323i has been very well maintained, all fluids changed, cooling system overhauled and such the car should be fine. I know people with 3-series with over 200k and there's nothing wrong with their cars. dmax from E46F is one who own's a 3-series with over 200k and going strong...:thumbsup

Ryan nailed it when she mentioned that maintenance is the key...

[echo46]

What year are we talkin' here, make sure you check the sub frame for tears. Otherwise the VCG is an fix but see what if anything is warped.

[das boots]

What is the torque value for the valve cover after replacing the gasket? What is the sequence? And there is also be a sequence of torquing down the valve cover. Thanks.

[mikeyb74]

I've seen the valve cover warp or even crack from a backed up CCV. I sell atleast 2 to 3 covers a week.

[echo46]

I believe the torque value for the valve cover bolts is 8nm or 6 ft/lbs, not very much. If you don't have a torque wrench then tighten down till the grommet flattens and the bolt stops turning. Do not over tighten. The patten is a crisscross pattern starting from the middle bolts working outward. Use red sealant and take your time seating the new gasket. Oh yea, don't be cheap, but new grommets, for goodness sakes!

[das boots]

"Grommets"? What is P/N from RealOEM? Is that the same as the rubber seal P/N 11121437395?

[mikeyb74]

11 12 1 726 537 Grommet

http://www.bavauto.com//assets/product_images/hardpart/11121726537.jpg


or 11 12 1 738 607 Valve cover cap nuts with grommet.
http://www.bavauto.com//assets/product_images/hardpart/11121738607.jpg

[mikeyb74]

"Grommets"? What is P/N from RealOEM? Is that the same as the rubber seal P/N 11121437395?

Yes it is. :)

[das boots]

Different P/N. But same item. Thanks, Mikey.

[das boots]

I've seen the valve cover warp or even crack from a backed up CCV. I sell atleast 2 to 3 covers a week.

Well Mikey, you are so right. I started yesterday to do a VCG for my S.O.'s E39 530i. I let it sit overnight to cure the high temp RTV. Started this morning....it was kinds rough and I thought it was being cold. A few blocks of test run, it started to smell like burnt oil. Back to the garage. I got a cracked VC and leaking oil. Running rough due to loss of vacuum. Back to square one.......

Along this line, can I re-use the new-used gasket to he new VC?

[RVAzhp]

What year are we talkin' here, make sure you check the sub frame for tears. Otherwise the VCG is an fix but see what if anything is warped.
VCG can warp. i believe mine is warped slightly which is causing a leak into one of my spark plug tubes. i can clean out the little bit of oil every 3 months or so. it's not significant, but it's annoying. i've been looking into purchasing a new one...


I've seen the valve cover warp or even crack from a backed up CCV. I sell atleast 2 to 3 covers a week.
damn, i might want to look into this, this might be the cause of leak?


Well Mikey, you are so right. I started yesterday to do a VCG for my S.O.'s E39 530i. I let it sit overnight to cure the high temp RTV. Started this morning....it was kinds rough and I thought it was being cold. A few blocks of test run, it started to smell like burnt oil. Back to the garage. I got a cracked VC and leaking oil. Running rough due to loss of vacuum. Back to square one.......

Along this line, can I re-use the new-used gasket to he new VC?
ouch similar thing happened to me, without the crack, must be why the the VCG lets some oil through...oh well. i guess i'll buy the VCG and CCV to do at the same time...SO FUN.

[das boots]

A word of advice to which lessons learned on VCG replacement. Aside from putting high temp RTV on the half-moon areas, I would advice to also dab the RTVs along the low side of the valve face. Low side as in the exhaust side of the valve. Oil accumulates had exerts more pressure/vacuum on this areas. RTV from corner to corner and around the holes. Ask me how I know and how I learned....the hard way.