PDA

View Full Version : New valve cover gaskets


andre14
10-06-2010, 10:47 PM
...scheduled this week-end.
Is there anything else I can do with those covers off? I have a tick on the pass side I'd like to inspect a bit... any tips or suggestions?
lt269
10-06-2010, 11:08 PM
Yeah, I've got the same question, any common problems/DIY that can be addressed with the covers off?
red740is
10-07-2010, 12:04 AM
I'm just in the midst of doing mine - only advice I can offer is to do the timing cover gaskets and Vanos solenoid gaskets (if applicable) because if they are not already leaking, they will be as the life cycle of those gaskets are inline with the valve covers. With all the other stuff removed, your 80% there already. Clean your engine FIRST so you minimize the crap and gunk that will otherwise fall into the valve train.

Before taking the covers off, soak up the oil around your spark plugs, then spray (conservatively) with a solvent (like brakekleen or carb cleaner) and blow each port out with compressed air - before you remove the plugs! If your not changing the plugs, that's OK unless they are oil fouled (severity of leaking?) but clean around them anyway!

Also, the coil cover gaskets do not come with the valve cover gasket sets, so remember to order those too.
740fizza
10-07-2010, 12:05 AM
1. Upper timing cover gaskets
2. spark plugs
3. paint VCGs
andre14
10-07-2010, 12:20 AM
Plugs are new. That's how I found the leaks. Funny thing. When I got the car I took out a coil and checked out the plug. Obviously it was one from the front of the engine. (the leaks are in the back). So if anybody checks a plug don't be lazy like me and pull the one closer to the firewall.
No vanos on my car and the timing covers look good (no leaks yet).
lt269
10-07-2010, 12:38 AM
Vanos solenoid gaskets (if applicable) because if they are not already leaking, they will be as the life cycle of those gaskets are inline with the valve covers.

Does an 01 740IL have the Vanos? Kind of curious about this one as the only peake code I've got right now is (21) Camshaft Vanos control cylinder 1-4. Could it be the gasket? If so, how many are we talking about?
nah2323
10-07-2010, 12:39 AM
01 has vanos. If you have a 99+ you have it. the vanos code usually means the actuator on the upper timing cover is either bad or has crap in the connector. Looks it up on realoem.com
lt269
10-07-2010, 12:44 AM
01 has vanos. If you have a 99+ you have it. the vanos code usually means the actuator on the upper timing cover is either bad or has crap in the connector. Looks it up on realoem.com

Okay, thanks...still thinking about the powder coating, just don't know if I can do without the car for that long. The logistics of it is a pain.
nah2323
10-07-2010, 12:45 AM
yeah I can turn them around almost instantly. Ship back next day.
IcemanBHE
10-07-2010, 01:43 AM
If the coil boots were wet with oil..I would replace those.
novasol
10-07-2010, 02:52 PM
You likely know this, but don't forget new grommets.

I left my timing cover gaskets alone when I changed my valve covers...they were good as well and no need to go looking for trouble when it isn't there...just my humble opinion
lt269
10-07-2010, 05:03 PM
You likely know this, but don't forget new grommets.

Could the grommets also be known as Valve Cover Seal Washers? http://www.partsgeek.com/catalog/2001/bmw/740il/engine_mechanical/valve_cover_seal_washer.html

Trying to find them...these are different fromt the coil cover gaskets, correct?
mpower5266
10-07-2010, 05:37 PM
Could the grommets also be known as Valve Cover Seal Washers? http://www.partsgeek.com/catalog/2001/bmw/740il/engine_mechanical/valve_cover_seal_washer.html

Trying to find them...these are different fromt the coil cover gaskets, correct?

Correct.
novasol
10-07-2010, 06:15 PM
Could the grommets also be known as Valve Cover Seal Washers? http://www.partsgeek.com/catalog/2001/bmw/740il/engine_mechanical/valve_cover_seal_washer.html

Trying to find them...these are different fromt the coil cover gaskets, correct?

That's them, price about double what they should be though..you'll need 22 total
stas2007
10-07-2010, 07:46 PM
I am also gonna be doing this soon,
Can I just sand and paint the valve covers with high temperature engine paint? I don't want to powdercoat them just want them be silver. I did it with my old cars , never had the paint come off.
andre14
10-07-2010, 11:59 PM
I am also gonna be doing this soon,
Can I just sand and paint the valve covers with high temperature engine paint? I don't want to powdercoat them just want them be silver. I did it with my old cars , never had the paint come off.

apparently any paint will come off. if I remember correncly it has something to do with magnesium and releasing gases when hot. I can't confirm that. I don't plan to paint or powdercoat.