Valve cover gasket DIY

Helmsman wrote

Thanks TX. Still looking for a shop to carry out the actual work but preparing mean while. Understand folks hesitate to put in aftermarket stuff (slonik vanos cover on its way), even if I pass on warranty. Push comes to shove I need to sort it myself in the public garage...

Ah, the slonik covers. Adding that to the list of.... "things I wish I had done when I had the covers off"

TX wrote

Ah, the slonik covers. Adding that to the list of.... "things I wish I had done when I had the covers off"

...even better to not have to do it mate...

I need clarification

is it x24 or x22 bolts? 11127841217
is it x4 or x2 bolts? 11127841218

Route 16 wrote

I need clarification

is it x24 or x22 bolts? 11127841217
is it x4 or x2 bolts? 11127841218

There are 24 of 217 and 2 of 218.

Can you buy this black part ?
If so someone got part number or link?

Mimmer wrote

Can you buy this black part ?
If so someone got part number or link?

That's the oil separator part# 11157848155

i'm about to tackle this ... didnt see it posted but do you need to remove the spark plugs? I just swapped them out... doesnt seem like you would but just wanted to double check

thanks!

Mimmer wrote

i'm about to tackle this ... didnt see it posted but do you need to remove the spark plugs? I just swapped them out... doesnt seem like you would but just wanted to double check

thanks!

No you don't need to.

Mimmer wrote

Can you buy this black part ?
If so someone got part number or link?

I have a set of separators if you need them. Pm me and I can get you a price.

Question all I started this but I have removed the covers but have left them off as I wait for a few parts. Is it okay that it's not sealed back right away and I'm leaving it exposed. Been 2 days and counting now. Probably 1-2 more days have them back on.

Yeah that's fine. I'd probably Cover it with a towel if it were me but it's fine

Mimmer wrote

Question all I started this but I have removed the covers but have left them off as I wait for a few parts. Is it okay that it's not sealed back right away and I'm leaving it exposed. Been 2 days and counting now. Probably 1-2 more days have them back on.

Completely fine but at a minimum, your throttle bodies should be covered.

What's torque for the small one facing the front ? Side covers…


Also trying figure out which cover rubber gasket goes on which side? Does it matter?

Does part ending 271 go on the side with the oil lid (left) or right where no oil lid.

Thanks all!

Mimmer wrote

Also trying figure out which cover rubber gasket goes on which side? Does it matter?

Does part ending 271 go on the side with the oil lid (left) or right where no oil lid.

RealOEM.com

Know it, love it.

These the same parts for each side or different part numbers ? For the oil separators

I got one new one and forgot check before install of which it matched…

Also I started her up and it make a sound like a clunk sound 1 time. semi concerned and let her run a minute. Turned off and ran again for 2-3 minutes no issues. But I am noticing a sound from like passenger side … I don't think from doing gasket covers … I guess I'll run her again tomorrow and record something. Semi burnt smell … idk if it's from my cleaner I used on the covers or could be something more concerning ?

Mimmer wrote

These the same parts for each side or different part numbers ? For the oil separators

Same.

DIY valve cover gasket 🙌

As discussed, they're low-torque, but does anyone have any anecdotal evidence or science behind needing to replace the valve cover bolts in regards to failure of the bolt itself after re-use?

I wouldn't want to reuse the bolts anyway due to potential leaking from degraded grommets, but:
- A grommet kit to reuse the bolts is now being being sold for $100, versus
- 24x11127841217 bolts & 2x11127841218 screws for $244 with FCP warranty.

What the verdict? Are most of you installing all new valve covers or just gaskets (including bolts)?

Trying to decide what's the best approach. My E90 has 74K miles and passenger side cover is weeping.

Thanks!

schnellster wrote

What the verdict? Are most of you installing all new valve covers or just gaskets (including bolts)?

Trying to decide what's the best approach. My E90 has 74K miles and passenger side cover is weeping.

Thanks!

Believe most get away with gasket (+bolts) to sort the weep.

While in there you can easily check the vanos caps: https://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1866437

schnellster wrote

What the verdict? Are most of you installing all new valve covers or just gaskets (including bolts)? Trying to decide what's the best approach. My E90 has 74K miles and passenger side cover is weeping.

Thanks!

The answer is "it all depends".. Depends upon how old the valve covers are and how much of the OEM paint is bubbling or peeling. Since the valve covers are magnesium, they are porous. The hot oil eventually soaks through the valve cover metal and starts to lift and bubble the OEM paint. Then oil leaks from under the bubbling paint.

IF your valve covers have very little paint peeling and bubbling then as Helmsman mentioned many people just do the gaskets and the bolts. See the DIY thread. I just had mine done and am now wishing I had paid the money for powder coat new ones from Vedubin01 because I can already see some seepage after less than 2K miles after valve cover gasket replacements.

According deansbimmer a portion of his customers *who don't get new valve covers installed* end up returning to his shop (after a while) to get the job done again due to leaks again. After 74K miles the OEM valve covers don't owe you anything IMO. So why not go ahead and replace them while you're in there? Just my two cents. You could also find a local shop to powder coat and refurbish your existing valve covers to save some money.
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https://precision-sport.com/products/future-classic-e9x-m3-wrinkle-valve-cover-set?variant=32457004875839
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https://futureclassic.us/products/future-classic-e9x-m3-wrinkle-valve-cover-set

Helmsman wrote

Believe most get away with gasket (+bolts) to sort the weep.

While in there you can easily check the vanos caps: https://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1866437

Super helpful info, this was not on my list but will be now!