Just replaced my VC Gasket...Now it leaks

[stimpe36]

So basically I spent half my day messing with my 325i, and replacing my vc gasket and plugs. I ordered a kit from bavauto, and also 6 ngk bkr6equp plugs. I followed pelicans diy, and also let me add that I have done many vc gaskets in the past. After buttoning everything up, I went for a drive and my car felt awesome. I guess it helps to replace your original plugs with oil on 5 out of the 6! I got home, and an hour or so later there were a few little oil spots on the ground towards the back of my motor. What did I do wrong. I used permatex, I torqued, I think I covered everything. The only things I can think of are either that I didnt line the gasket up correctly, or I neglected to tighten in a crisscross pattern, but I did alternate front and back. Also I couldnt torque the two bolts on the back of the vc, because my wrench was too big. I used a small rachet and just tightened them down a good amount. Thinking about it, I guess a good amount with a tiny rachet could not be enough because there is so little leverage with it. I dont know what to do, should I redo everything??? That would suck! Thanks alot.

[DTM325]

i know it sounds wrong but don't torque the valve cover gasket bolts...it will leak every time. i usually snug them then maybe a quarter turn. hasn't leak in the last 3 i've done.

hope that helps

btw i'm a torque nazi, and the valve cover gasket and diff bolt are two thing i won't torque.

~Chase

[stimpe36]

So your saying tighten them more than the torque specs correct? The snug word threw me off, when I think snug I think hand tight. I may just be an idiot but thanks for the help.

[350chevrolet]

i just make them snug and go like 1/4 turn past that just liek you do on a oil filter on a regular car. i dont know if yours is still leaking or not but i would be willing to bet that you just leaked a little oil on your motor when changing the gasget and when you parked it it just dripped off. before you go tearing it apart let it sit in a dif spot and see if it still leaks.

[jhstealth]

Hey looks like we live close to eachother. Id definatly let it sit and check it and later. Also did you clean off the surfaces extremely well? that sometimes can make it not as good of a seal.

[stimpe36]

Im going to check everything out tomorrow. As far as the leaking goes, it leaks lol. I have driven it a few times, and each time it leaves a mark again. I cleaned everything pretty good, and I used permatex on all mating surfaces... PA Bimmers representing!!!

[jhstealth]

haha absolutly someones gotta do it

[Cruzader66]

There are 2 half round cuts into the wall of the cylinder head at the back. Are you sure you seated the gasket correctly into those? Or you may have just overtorqued the rear bolts and squished the gasket, try backing them out a little.

[DTM325]

do not tighten them more.. back them off then snug them down and go about a 1/4 turn

~Chase

[dwvcfii]

I dont know what to do, should I redo everything??? That would suck! Thanks alot.

Check out my DIY:

http://www.dvatp.com/bmw/diy/valve_cover_gasket/

Click Figure 8 (warning: it's a HUGE pic). That shows the way I did it, which is coincidentally the way my 30 year BMW tech recommended.

Also, the VC is tightened in either circular or "Z" formation (not "X"). It's better to make MANY passes with no more than a half turn on each. Takes forever, but you otherwise risk warping the cover and causing leaks.

Hate to say it, but if the leak is bad, you'll need to pull the cover again. The good news is that while you need to pull the coils, you don't need to pull the plugs...and the cover should come off easily this time (just watch for it sticking in the areas where you put sealant).

Good luck on the fix!

-Doug