M52tu oil leak

[Swanny]

Thats how i tightened them down from the start. Really hoping its just the gasket slipped out of the retaining groves because there is oil in all the spark plug channels. I dont think it would get in all of them just from a crack on one.

[F34R]

Just use the RTV in the groove to hold them in place. I am not hoping for the worst, it was annoying to see that shit happen twice in a row. Sometimes little things can be a TOTAL bitch.

M20 b27i is going to be fun! m20 <3

[Swanny]

Haha yeah, back to a real motor!

[Swanny]

Cracked it is!!!! Fuckkkk

[Swanny]

So whos got a solid m52tu valve cover?

[F34R]

CALLED IT! Said it last night while watching the game haha. I am glad this has been resolved.

I found some for sale on Bimmerforums, I will go grab some links. From my research the m54 cover is the same(not supported by part# yet).

[Danny]

What year is your E39?

[Swanny]

2000

[F34R]

#11121432928

I am right on the m54 cover fitting:

Applications: (USA Models Listed)
Quantity
required

Price


Valve Cover 1 $233.75
323Ci (2000) Convertible/Coupe with M52 Engine (E46) through June 1999 1 $233.75
323i (1999-00, through June 1999) Sedan with M52 Engine (E46) 1 $233.75
323i (1999-00, from July 1999) Sedan with M52 Engine (E46) 1 $233.75
325Ci (2001-06, through August 2002) Convertible with M54 Engine (E46)

Pretty good price for brand new.
http://www.ecstuning.com/News/BMW_OEM_Parts/ES18130/

[blunttech]

I have the same issue with my turbo car. Ive thrown 2 gasket sets at it and its still leaking I suspect ill find the same thing once i get time to pull the cover again

[F34R]

From some searching these covers seem to fail in this area. No idea why the shitty plastic covers are better than the magnesium m50 covers. They never had these issues.

Oh I know...cheaper ;)

[agent]

DO NOT buy a used valve cover. That is all.

[Swanny]

Chris, Thats exactly what I'm thinking. A 13 y/o cover is a 13 y/o cover. Gunna have the exact same issue in no time with that. Looked up prices and I believe BavAuto has the best one right now - m52tu cover for 200 and they ship to me with in a day or 2. Probably just going to do that.

Wonder if there's a way to put some kind of protectant on the inside that's head/oil resistant that would keep the plastic from becoming so brittle.

[agent]

It's not the oil, but rather the thousands of heat cycles that makes them brittle and susceptible to cracking/breaking, combined with having to wrestle the damned things off the head when the VCG plasticizes. Ask me how I know!

[Swanny]

It's not the oil, but rather the thousands of heat cycles that makes them brittle and susceptible to cracking/breaking, combined with having to wrestle the damned things off the head when the VCG plasticizes. Ask me how I know!

How do you know?