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      01-14-2021, 09:13 AM   #1
XxThe_RemedyXx
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Valve Cover Gasket Replacement

So my valve cover (I assume) seems to be leaking. It seems like the oil leak is towards the rear of the valve cover, by the firewall, and is dripping down onto the underbody cover. From doing some research it seems like the gasket almost always leaks off to the side and makes it's way onto the downpipe where it will smoke and smell.

Has anyone ever experienced a leak towards the back of the valve cover with no signs of smoke/smell? I'm just trying to make sure this is where the leak seems to be coming from before I place my order from FCP for a new valve cover kit...

My list is:

- New Valve Cover. Comes with all bolts and gaskets.
- BMW Valvetronic Actuator Seal with new self tapping screws
- New PCV Vent Hose

I recently replaced my coolant overflow hose, so that's new. I believe I have all the tools necesarry to do the job except for some crowfeet wrench adapters to torque the gas lines down. Anything I'm missing?
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      01-14-2021, 10:46 AM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by XxThe_RemedyXx View Post
So my valve cover (I assume) seems to be leaking. It seems like the oil leak is towards the rear of the valve cover, by the firewall, and is dripping down onto the underbody cover. From doing some research it seems like the gasket almost always leaks off to the side and makes it's way onto the downpipe where it will smoke and smell.

Has anyone ever experienced a leak towards the back of the valve cover with no signs of smoke/smell? I'm just trying to make sure this is where the leak seems to be coming from before I place my order from FCP for a new valve cover kit...

My list is:

- New Valve Cover. Comes with all bolts and gaskets.
- BMW Valvetronic Actuator Seal with new self tapping screws
- New PCV Vent Hose

I recently replaced my coolant overflow hose, so that's new. I believe I have all the tools necesarry to do the job except for some crowfeet wrench adapters to torque the gas lines down. Anything I'm missing?
Your description is typical of a VC leak.
These I6 are rotated about 15 degrees to the passenger side and so oil pools at the passenger side rear of the valve cover.

I don't think you're missing any parts.
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      01-14-2021, 11:17 AM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by F32Fleet View Post
Your description is typical of a VC leak.
These I6 are rotated about 15 degrees to the passenger side and so oil pools at the passenger side rear of the valve cover.

I don't think you're missing any parts.
Thanks man, much appreciated!
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      01-14-2021, 02:02 PM   #4
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List looks good. My valve cover failed in the same spot. I would get puffs of smoke and a bad smell when it hit the exhaust. My car had ~80k miles at the point of replacement.
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      01-14-2021, 06:49 PM   #5
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When my mechanic first told me I had the valve cover leak he said the engine was towards the back of the engine. Never had smell or smoke.

I eventually fixed with warranty. Mine was done around 65-70k miles I believe
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      01-14-2021, 07:27 PM   #6
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Just ordered everything up and hopefully will have the parts by Saturday. Looking forward to fixing this. The only thing I worry about is rolling the gasket when installing the new one. Wonder if I should pick up some gasket tack... FCP says the gaskets and bolts are preinstalled so I'm hoping they're in there nice and tight. I ordered all OEM parts so they should be good.
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      01-14-2021, 07:31 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by XxThe_RemedyXx View Post
Just ordered everything up and hopefully will have the parts by Saturday. Looking forward to fixing this. The only thing I worry about is rolling the gasket when installing the new one. Wonder if I should pick up some gasket tack... FCP says the gaskets and bolts are preinstalled so I'm hoping they're in there nice and tight. I ordered all OEM parts so they should be good.
Just feel around the edge, there is enough room to do so. Can also use a mirror to look at it. My gaskets have always stayed in without any tack.
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      01-15-2021, 08:39 AM   #8
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See if the valve cover screws are loose first. Loose screws were found during the valve cover replacement by myself and a some others on this forum. On mine the they were in the back left, where the leak was. You may be able to stop the leak just by tightening. Worth a shot.
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      01-15-2021, 02:35 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Zyler View Post
See if the valve cover screws are loose first. Loose screws were found during the valve cover replacement by myself and a some others on this forum. On mine the they were in the back left, where the leak was. You may be able to stop the leak just by tightening. Worth a shot.
Looks like all the parts will be here tomorrow (FCP Euro FTW)... I will check this when I start cranking on them.
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      01-16-2021, 01:23 PM   #10
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Just started in with the replacement and have noticed that I'm missing a vacuum hose and line from the old valve cover. Anyone know why these would be missing? The hose near the PCV is totally gone and the rear vacuum is missing as well. One of the rears is supposed to be capped and the other is a vacuum line leading somewhere, but not sure as it is missing.
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      01-16-2021, 02:13 PM   #11
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Also, my fuel rail lines look different from the N55 F30 videos I've seen... One side is a normal craw foot nuts, the other side looks pressed in? Anyone know how to remove these?
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      01-16-2021, 02:37 PM   #12
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Fuel rail is removed easily with 4 bolts holding it to the intake manifold.
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      01-16-2021, 03:31 PM   #13
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Annnnd out!!!
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      01-16-2021, 03:42 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by XxThe_RemedyXx View Post
Just started in with the replacement and have noticed that I'm missing a vacuum hose and line from the old valve cover. Anyone know why these would be missing? The hose near the PCV is totally gone and the rear vacuum is missing as well. One of the rears is supposed to be capped and the other is a vacuum line leading somewhere, but not sure as it is missing.
Are you sure those are actually ports and not just plugged holes?
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      01-16-2021, 03:51 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by thejeremyman9 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by XxThe_RemedyXx View Post
Just started in with the replacement and have noticed that I'm missing a vacuum hose and line from the old valve cover. Anyone know why these would be missing? The hose near the PCV is totally gone and the rear vacuum is missing as well. One of the rears is supposed to be capped and the other is a vacuum line leading somewhere, but not sure as it is missing.
Are you sure those are actually ports and not just plugged holes?
Check out 8:45 in this video...

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      01-16-2021, 06:52 PM   #16
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Great success!
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      01-16-2021, 07:38 PM   #17
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If anyone has questions please feel free to message me. This was a great experience and I learned a lot.
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      01-16-2021, 08:41 PM   #18
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Nice. Congrats 👏

How long did it take you?
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      01-16-2021, 09:01 PM   #19
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Nice. Congrats 👏

How long did it take you?
I was going reaaaaaally slow.... Took me like 6 hours but I could do it quicker if I had to. I'm glad I replaced the PCV hose. The old one was extremely brittle and falling apart.
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      01-16-2021, 11:22 PM   #20
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This was so encouraging, specially cause I know now it's doable in one day. My car has 35 thousand miles so I should be ok. Regardless, thanks for sharing.
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      01-17-2021, 11:35 PM   #21
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I have been putting off this job for awhile...do get smoke and see oil at rear passenger side. What I am wondering us why replace whole cover instead if just gasket? How hard was it to replace the vent hose, as far as bottom connection goes?
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      01-18-2021, 06:43 AM   #22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jgoens View Post
I have been putting off this job for awhile...do get smoke and see oil at rear passenger side. What I am wondering us why replace whole cover instead if just gasket? How hard was it to replace the vent hose, as far as bottom connection goes?
The cover gets brittle and is prone to cracking. Since you are already there, it's a good idea to replace the cover at the same time.
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