How to change valve cover gasket?

Tiny
BHAMDOC1973
  • MEMBER
  • 2013 BMW 550I
  • V8
  • TURBO
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 115,000 MILES
Any instructions?
Monday, April 10th, 2023 AT 10:32 AM

5 Replies

Tiny
BHAMDOC1973
  • MEMBER
  • 1,656 POSTS
Also, is there something that can leak in back of the valve cover, as I see something dripping, maybe a vacuum pump seal?
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Monday, April 10th, 2023 AT 11:27 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Hi,

Does the leak behind the cover appear to be engine oil? A vacuum pump wouldn't cause this to happen.

As far as replacing the valve cover gaskets (cylinder head cover gaskets) I attached the directions below. Note: The first four pics are related to the left side and the last pics are the right side.

The directions are vague and provide preliminary steps prior to the covers. I'm not sure what you are comfortable with, but if there is something specific you need in the list, let me know and I'll get it for you.

Let me know if this helps or if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.
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Monday, April 10th, 2023 AT 9:13 PM
Tiny
BHAMDOC1973
  • MEMBER
  • 1,656 POSTS
I thought the 3 series BMWs and some of the Benz have a pump in back that has a seal that usually leaks, not sure. I started the job on this one, OMG, how many coolant hoses does it take to make this car? A billion? I am having issues getting the fan out, everything on top has to come out which isn't an issue just time consuming.
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Wednesday, April 12th, 2023 AT 2:12 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Hi,

I totally understand the idea of time consumption. As far as the coolant hoses are concerned, it is unbelievable. I had an Audi A8 and the alternator was liquid cooled. Ugh! What will they do next?

Take care and let me know if I can help.

Joe
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Wednesday, April 12th, 2023 AT 7:30 PM
Tiny
BHAMDOC1973
  • MEMBER
  • 1,656 POSTS
Oh, yes, seen those cooled alternators, a pita.
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Wednesday, April 12th, 2023 AT 7:34 PM

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