Misfire after valve cover gasket replacement

[da jemster]

I finally got my INPA: (used Google translate)

================================================== ============
RESULT: 10 errors in error memory !

11077 Combustion Misfire Exhaust Cyl 4
Warning: F_HFK doesn't exist in result record 1!
Warning: F_UW-ANZ doesn't exist in result record 1!
Warning: F_ART_ANZ doesn't exist in result record 1!

11079 Combustion Misfire Exhaust Cyl 6
11079 Combustion Misfire Exhaust Cyl 8
11086 Combustion Misfire Exhaust Gas Lock Several Cylinders
10170 Fuel System Diagnosis Bank 1
10177 Info Tank Empty at Error Entry
10170 Fuel System Diagnosis Bank 2
11067 Combustion Misfire With Shutdown Cyl 7
11095 Engine Emergency Program Activated
10134 Engine Emergency Program Activated
(all these errors are accompanied by those 3 Warnings listed above)
================================================== ================


Car ran without any issues prior to replacing the valve cover gasket. During the test drive, as long as I apply acceleration slowly, all is fine. As soon as stomp the pedal to the floor, I go into limp mode. My Torque gave me P0307 - Cylinder 7 misfire. To confirm, I took it to Autozone and received the same results.

* I moved the coil from #7 to #5 - same code
* I moved the spark plug from #7 to #5 - same code

I thoroughly cleaned both covers during my this project. Now, I've noticed a leak on the drivers side coming from Oil Separator. Could the issue be because the gasket is gone, I'm loosing some type of pressure at WOT? I've applied a very thin layer of RTV and reinstalled it. I'm letting a day pass before I test it out.

[pbonsalb]

Pop the o-ring out, clean it and put it back and clean the valve cover surface.

[drrust]

If you search, there was a thread that recommended applying some gasket sealing silicone when reusing the separators. The coating on the valve cover is what was removed.

[da jemster]

Originally Posted by pbonsalb

Pop the o-ring out, clean it and put it back and clean the valve cover surface.

Thx Phillip

Originally Posted by drrust

If you search, there was a thread that recommended applying some gasket sealing silicone when reusing the separators. The coating on the valve cover is what was removed.

Darn it...I took a toothpick and applied a very thin layer of RTV and reinstalled it back already. If this backyard hack fails, I'll take it off again, scrape it clean and buy https://www.ecstuning.com/Search/Sit...h/11157838369/

[drrust]

It seems odd that the separators would contribute to a code. Could the spark plug been damaged in the process?

[da jemster]

I didn't change plugs - all I did was replace both valve cover gaskets. To troubleshoot, I played the "musical chairs" with the spark plugs...

* I moved the coil from #7 to #5 - same code - Cylinder #7
* I moved the spark plug from #7 to #5 - same code - Cylinder #7

I'm waiting on someone over at M3Forum if he can build me a laptop with INPA. If he can't, I'm getting a Foxwell to diagnose this.

[drrust]

Since you moved the coil pack and the code didn't change, two things to consider are spark plug or the wiring harness. It would seem that the spark plug would be a more straightforward item to check.

[pbonsalb]

He moved the plug as well. I’d reset codes, clear adaptions and try again. I recently changed my VC gaskets with 96k miles over 10 years. No issues. I reused the oil separator o-rings and screws. It could be that some oil went down the plug hole when changing the VC was off. I inspected mine and pushed a paper towel around with a long thin screw driver. I think the problem might self resolve.

[drrust]

Sorry didn't catch he moved the plug.

[tdott]

were the ground straps on the valve covers put back correctly?

[da jemster]

Originally Posted by tdott

were the ground straps on the valve covers put back correctly?

Yes, both of 'em.

[da jemster]

I finally got INPA installed. Added the codes to the start.

[kimiraikkonen]

OP. Try checking your fuel injector harness, especially the electrical connection on each injector.

Also, look at the # misfire counts per cylinder and see if that changes when you swap components around. Foxwell can show misfire per cylinder and assume INPA can as well.

[da jemster]

*** SOLVED/FIXED ***

So I gave up and had to take it to Marc Norris/Bavarian Workshop. AFRs were abnormal during WOT. Manually checking operation of throttles, they found #7 throttle not opening (linkage was not locked on throttle side)!

I swear I was nowhere near it since all I did was change the cover gaskets... If you're thinking this could've have existed prior to me performing the gasket replacement, no it didn't because the day before I tore open the covers, I was messing around on the freeway and I was WOT and car ran great.