Planning on Doing Valve Cover Gasket next weekend

[roys740]

So I plan on doing my valve covers next weekend and was wondering what else done be done in there while I have it open. Unfortunately I won't have any help so I will be doing the job solo, but I think I will take my time and be ok.

[mooll]

You shouldn't need any help...
replace the upper timing cover gaskets ($12)

[roys740]

You shouldn't need any help...
replace the upper timing cover gaskets ($12)

When you say upper timing cover gaskets are you referring to the vanos seals?

[mooll]

When you say upper timing cover gaskets are you referring to the vanos seals?

no,im referring to the upper timing cover gaskets.

[roys740]

no,im referring to the upper timing cover gaskets.

Ok I think I can handle this. So I will focus on the upper timing cover gasket and valve covers. I will leave the vanos seals and lower timing cover gasket alone for now. Unless someone's else thinks otherwise.

Also, which RTV should I buy? There's like 10 kinds from that same company. The blue and the black both seem like they would work well. The black one is for high temps.

I need to draw myself a map or find an updated diagram of where I will be working.

[mooll]

i have always used permatex black RTV , great stuff but the blk gasket maker stuff is all pretty much the same but im pretty sure permatex is number 1 brand
even used it to repair dual 12" subs that had multiple tears in them lol

[roys740]

So after further investigation, reading information here in the various threads, bimmeboards, e38.org and youtube not to mentioned confirmation from a trusted forum member (Purplcty), I do need to replaced the gaskets on my upper timing cover and replaced my vanos solenoid seals. Just placed my order with FCP for everything. It shouldn't be too hard of a job for me, so wish me luck.

[luka117]

Replace 2 oring's from secendary air metal pipe. Nr.5
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/show...diagId=11_2286

If you want you can also permanently remove the injector clips from cable box. I ran my engine without those clips and there is no problem at all and future maintenance will be easier and faster.

[Nurburgringer]

Get the cam covers blasted and powder coated while they're off.

[roys740]

Get the cam covers blasted and powder coated while they're off.

valve covers are being sand blasted and ran thru parts washer as we speak. Not sure if I can spring for powder coating right now. cant find local guy to do at a reasonable price.

[oldroller]

A waste to powder coat them IMO, unless you're going full dress. Most of the VC's are not 'in the eye', just fronts and lower edges.
Clean them good, ScotchBrite the bejesus out of them and shoot a few thin coats of your favorite color, hi-temp spray from any auto parts house.

Spark plugs are easier while the covers are off, if they are needed. Good time to check the condition of your accumulator gaskets and heater hoses, too.

Don't forget to 'preload' the upper timing covers when installing. If you don't there will be a gap at the VC's at the joint, and the timing cover gaskets will not compress completely.
Beisan Systems website (M62TUB page) has a good write up.

Cheers, and have fun!

[Nurburgringer]

nah it's ~$100 well spent. The castings have a pretty crappy surface finish. Wrinkle coating fills it in nicely.
Assuming you have a reasonably-priced powder coating place nearby.
One of the perks of living in Houston...

[mooll]

^ yeah, i agree. powdercoating em looks great

- - - Updated - - -

was quoted $100 around here and that was reasonable.

[Coupenut]

I'm doing the same job on my 00. I picked up a second set of valve covers at the the local yard, $18 each and I'm going to powdercoat them. I won't have to wait once the job is started.

Sent from my SM-T817V using Tapatalk

[roys740]

I'm doing the same job on my 00. I picked up a second set of valve covers at the the local yard, $18 each and I'm going to powdercoat them. I won't have to wait once the job is started. Sent from my SM-T817V using Tapatalk

Great minds think alike.

[clarkitect]

Powdercoating seems like a good idea. I tried the VHT wrinkle black paint route and they looked GREAT for about a year and half. Now they are peeling :-(, and not for a lack of preparation.

[740iSport303]

Powder coated mine nearly two years ago and they still look as good as the day I installed them. +1 on powder coating!

[roys740]

Powder coated mine nearly two years ago and they still look as good as the day I installed them. +1 on powder coating!

what color did you go with? any pics?

[XAlt]

what color did you go with? any pics?

Go silver or gold.

Tbh

[roys740]

Go silver or gold.

Tbh

I'm thinking Silver, Black or even maybe a nice Blue but Gold, I am not sure how that would look.

[740iSport303]

I went black but I don't have any recent pics. But here is one before I wiped it down and replaced a seeping oil fill cap. But you can see, no bubbling or anything else.
20150914_180258.jpg

[clarkitect]

I like the black too - especially on a black car and with the wrinkle finish.

[Bigrobsbmw]

I used black VHT High Temp paint with no primer after sandblasting and mine have held up perfectly after 4 years and many miles.

[clarkitect]

I used black VHT High Temp paint with no primer after sandblasting and mine have held up perfectly after 4 years and many miles.

I didn't use primer either. Just sanded really well with 80 grit sandpaper to get all the old coating off, then 100 for the final sand, and cleaned with lacquer thinner. Wish mine held up... :-(.

[Nurburgringer]

I'm thinking Silver, Black or even maybe a nice Blue but Gold, I am not sure how that would look.

Unless you have an interesting exterior and/or interior color, spice it up!
Mine is serious silver over gray so the bright red covers add some flash, bringing me a smile whenever I pop the hood.
Reminds me of the red covers on my old 308 Ferrari too.
Go for blue or gold