|
|
01-19-2023, 11:16 PM | #1 |
Enlisted Member
27
Rep 32
Posts |
Valve cover powder coating around Seattle?
Anyone have S65 valve cover + timing cover powder coating recommendations around the north Seattle area? I'm looking for someone with experience with these VCs since it's not just straightforward coverage of the entire part.
From what I'm reading, warpage of the magnesium covers is rare and oil leakage is more commonly due to powder coating in the gasket groove or incorrect bolt torque. |
01-20-2023, 07:29 PM | #2 |
Major
1049
Rep 1,047
Posts |
I dunno, I think warping is more common than some people think. It's claimed on the forums they rarely actually warp. However, nearly every single shop I talked to in the area straight up refuses to do valve cover gaskets only, because 90% of the time, they come back leaking again.
In a shop, a customer come back is one of the worst things that can happen to you. Shops don't want that, and as such don't play the game. All of them say they now only replace with new valvecovers. Way too much of a consistent answer to not have some weight behind it. In my own experience, I had two attempts done at doing valve cover gaskets, and they leaked both times. Bit the bullet and and replaced the valvecovers, and they have been bone dry ever since. |
Appreciate
1
CamasM3e933165.50 |
01-21-2023, 06:23 PM | #3 | |
Brigadier General
3900
Rep 4,167
Posts |
Quote:
If your leak isn't bad you might want to hold off doing new valve covers for a bit. There's going to be an aftermarket option coming out soon that should be a permanent fix for our leaky MG covers. I can't say much more than that so just hang in there if you can. |
|
01-22-2023, 12:41 PM | #4 | |
Friends don't let friends ESS
3166
Rep 872
Posts
Drives: '11 Lemans Blue 6mt Harrop e90
Join Date: Dec 2020
Location: Camas, WA
iTrader: (0)
Garage List 2011 E90 M3 [9.00]
2003 Porsche 911 Turbo [9.75] 2019 BMW X5 xDrive40i [0.00] 2013 Mercedes E550 ... [0.00] |
Quote:
|
|
Appreciate
1
drwankel1049.00 |
01-22-2023, 01:29 PM | #5 | |
Major
479
Rep 1,196
Posts |
Quote:
__________________
2009 BMW 335i 6MT
*big single (eventually)* For now... MHD tuned VRSF Race IC DCI ATM exhaust |
|
Appreciate
0
|
01-23-2023, 08:18 PM | #8 |
Major
479
Rep 1,196
Posts |
Also a new post on the Facebook page with another company selling an aluminum valve cover today. EA labs I believe is the name.
__________________
2009 BMW 335i 6MT
*big single (eventually)* For now... MHD tuned VRSF Race IC DCI ATM exhaust |
Appreciate
0
|
01-23-2023, 11:14 PM | #9 |
Brigadier General
3900
Rep 4,167
Posts |
|
Appreciate
0
|
01-24-2023, 12:52 AM | #10 |
Major
1049
Rep 1,047
Posts |
Two questions immediately jump to mind, and please educate me here:
Why did BMW choose magnesium over aluminum for the valvecovers in the first place? What makes us think these new aluminum options wont be leaking 4-5 years down the road? Aluminum can warp as well. My valvecovers are fresh, so I wont have to worry about them for quite a while now. When the time comes, there should be plenty of real world data about these upgrades. |
Appreciate
0
|
01-24-2023, 03:01 AM | #11 | |
Brigadier General
3900
Rep 4,167
Posts |
Quote:
You're right that alu can warp as well, but cast aluminum valve covers have been used for many years in many cars with much less leaking issues. Another major issue being solved here is the porosity problem that affects Mg and not alu. Mg develops micro pores over time and it's why our valve covers leak oil from pimples on the surface and not just at the gaskets. |
|
Appreciate
0
|
01-24-2023, 06:14 AM | #12 |
F15 daddymobile
2350
Rep 3,510
Posts |
is this much of an issue that an aftermarket product is needed? i mean cool, but is this really gonna bring in the $? why not use FCPs lifetime warranty? or do y'all replace covers more frequently due to track days? i don't track my car so i wouldn't know.
__________________
|
Appreciate
0
|
01-24-2023, 06:32 AM | #13 |
Major
479
Rep 1,196
Posts |
Probably more for the engine clout than anything. The N54 guys have been using aluminum valve covers for some time now, and even those are prone to weeping over time. We will have to see how these hold up over the years.
__________________
2009 BMW 335i 6MT
*big single (eventually)* For now... MHD tuned VRSF Race IC DCI ATM exhaust |
Appreciate
0
|
01-24-2023, 06:19 PM | #14 | |
Brigadier General
3900
Rep 4,167
Posts |
Quote:
The other big issue of the stock valve cover is that every time you remove it, you need to replace the bolts which come with rubber o-rings. $10 per bolt x 24 bolts = stupid money for bolts. So yeah, a valve cover that lasts longer than the Mg one would be most welcome indeed. |
|
Appreciate
0
|
Post Reply |
Bookmarks |
|
|