Timing chain cover leak d/t snapped bolt.

rated_m3 · 03-07-2024, 08:25 PM

Hi guys so, while I was doing my valve cover job on my e92 m3 everything was going fine until I snapped one of the hex bolts that holds the timing chain cover. I figured it was okay because there are 3 other bolts holding it together. Today, as I test drive it for only 20 minutes I noticed there is a lot of oil leaking out from the timing chain cover. I got some new bolts today from the dealer and will attempt to change out the bolt and the other ones just in case. My question is can I reuse all the gaskets? Can I also partially lift the valve cover just to barely be able to take out the timing chain cover and replace the bolt? I’m trying to avoid taking off the entire valve cover again. Anyways, if I had to take off the entire valve cover do I have to re clean everything again? This is a huge PITA. I really hope I can get that broken bolt out easily.

DRLane · 03-07-2024, 08:52 PM

You snapped a bolt on this install? I think you’ve lost your DIY privileges…

Take it all down and do it again with a new timing cover gasket.

Invest in a quality torque wrench.

rated_m3 · 03-07-2024, 09:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DRLane

You snapped a bolt on this install? I think you’ve lost your DIY privileges…

Take it all down and do it again with a new timing cover gasket.

Invest in a quality torque wrench.

Well to be fair the torque wrench I was using wasn’t really working properly even though I had it set on 6nm. I hand tightened everything else snugly and the other side as well. No issues or leaks anywhere except here. Are you sure I would need a new gasket? I mean it looks exactly the same as the old one that came out lol. The only difference is the blue sealant that squeezes out the top when you tighten it, but I could just use some light dreibond there instead this time around.

DRLane · 03-07-2024, 09:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rated_m3

Well to be fair the torque wrench I was using wasn’t really working properly even though I had it set on 6nm. I hand tightened everything else snugly and the other side as well. No issues or leaks anywhere except here. Are you sure I would need a new gasket? I mean it looks exactly the same as the old one that came out lol. The only difference is the blue sealant that squeezes out the top when you tighten it, but I could just use some light dreibond there instead this time around.

I don’t know - But it’s inexpensive and I’d rather do it right. But up to you!

Was joking about the broken bolt.

rated_m3 · 03-07-2024, 11:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DRLane

I don’t know - But it’s inexpensive and I’d rather do it right. But up to you!

Was joking about the broken bolt.

I know, but I need to get this done ASAP so, I can’t wait for it be shipped to my house. It’s cool man, I get it. I somewhat feel like I should have just taken it to the mechanic, but I think this is the whole process of diy stuff anyways.

DRLane · 03-07-2024, 11:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rated_m3

I know, but I need to get this done ASAP so, I can’t wait for it be shipped to my house. It’s cool man, I get it. I somewhat feel like I should have just taken it to the mechanic, but I think this is the whole process of diy stuff anyways.

Yup. My cardinal rule working on the car is the moment I get frustrated or recognize impatience I’m done for the day. Too many parts are aluminum and susceptible to this, or cross threading, or simply falling into the engine bay abyss.

I wouldn’t say you did anything wrong, I’d just take it as an opportunity to fully correct the mistake. Either way Good luck!

Redd · 03-08-2024, 05:56 PM

If your gasket is new-ish you should be able to re-use it.

Helmsman · 03-10-2024, 05:53 AM

Hi Rated,

I took of the driver side timing cover last August to double check my new alu vanos cover. Installed with a new metal gasket without touching the valve cover (no losening at al). No oil leeks so far so yes seems fine.

As not a massive job you may try the old gasket. If the car can stand still for a bit I'd order a new though to be on the safe side. I bought driebond but ended up not using it. The new gasket blue sealant did the job.

Ps. Timing cover bolts are 10nm (while valve cover 6nm).

Ps. Ps. Check my post from end August here: https://www.m3post.com/forums/showth...038382&page=10

03-07-2024, 08:25 PM	#1
rated_m3 Private 28 Rep 83 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW E92 M3 ZCP Join Date: Jun 2019 Location: LA iTrader: (0)	Timing chain cover leak d/t snapped bolt. Hi guys so, while I was doing my valve cover job on my e92 m3 everything was going fine until I snapped one of the hex bolts that holds the timing chain cover. I figured it was okay because there are 3 other bolts holding it together. Today, as I test drive it for only 20 minutes I noticed there is a lot of oil leaking out from the timing chain cover. I got some new bolts today from the dealer and will attempt to change out the bolt and the other ones just in case. My question is can I reuse all the gaskets? Can I also partially lift the valve cover just to barely be able to take out the timing chain cover and replace the bolt? I’m trying to avoid taking off the entire valve cover again. Anyways, if I had to take off the entire valve cover do I have to re clean everything again? This is a huge PITA. I really hope I can get that broken bolt out easily. Attached Images
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03-07-2024, 08:52 PM	#2
DRLane Brigadier General 3989 Rep 3,409 Posts Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: Colorado iTrader: (21) Garage List 2008 m3 [6.63]	You snapped a bolt on this install? I think you’ve lost your DIY privileges… Take it all down and do it again with a new timing cover gasket. Invest in a quality torque wrench. __________________ Not a Doctor, those are just my initials.
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03-08-2024, 05:56 PM	#7
Redd Brigadier General 3900 Rep 4,165 Posts Drives: 2010 BMW E92 M3 Dakar Edition Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Malaysia iTrader: (0)	If your gasket is new-ish you should be able to re-use it.
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03-10-2024, 05:53 AM	#8
Helmsman Major General 4467 Rep 7,110 Posts Drives: 2011 AW E90 M3 ZCP Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Stockholm, Sweden iTrader: (0)	Hi Rated, I took of the driver side timing cover last August to double check my new alu vanos cover. Installed with a new metal gasket without touching the valve cover (no losening at al). No oil leeks so far so yes seems fine. As not a massive job you may try the old gasket. If the car can stand still for a bit I'd order a new though to be on the safe side. I bought driebond but ended up not using it. The new gasket blue sealant did the job. Ps. Timing cover bolts are 10nm (while valve cover 6nm). Ps. Ps. Check my post from end August here: https://www.m3post.com/forums/showth...038382&page=10 Last edited by Helmsman; 03-10-2024 at 06:10 AM..
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