So about this time 3 years ago I changed out my valve cover gasket on my m50 e30 with a Victor Reinz gasket and yes I got the rubber grommet spcaer things that go on the bolts as well. This gasket started leaking about a year ago but it was only a little in the back corner by the headers but now it seems to be leaky all around out of nowhere, what the faaaack. I'm fairly certain VC gaskets are supposed to last more than 2 years...What do you guys think/ recommend? could my valve cover be warped? different gasket brand? I'm not going to put silicone on.
-
Originally posted by LJ851
-
Victor Reinz have a bad rep, I tried to ignore it and thought if I did it totally right it wouldnt leak. Mine is already leakingSimon
Current Cars:
-1966 Lotus Elan
-1986 German Car
-2006 Volkswagen Jetta TDI
Make R3V Great Again -2020 -
I am fixing the same issue on an M50 E30 as well. Very upset with the VR stuff.My previous build (currently E30-less)
http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=170390
A 2016 Toyota Tacoma TRD 4x4 Offroad in Inferno is my newest obsessionComment
-
The annoying thing is I have an Elring gasket but its for the OBD1 valvecover (which I have), but Im not ready to swap it on...Simon
Current Cars:
-1966 Lotus Elan
-1986 German Car
-2006 Volkswagen Jetta TDI
Make R3V Great Again -2020Comment
-
I've never had a problem with the VR gaskets I've used.
Make sure both surfaces are spotless and use a bit of sealant where the front cover meets the head and on the corners of the rear "D" cutouts.
You are tightening the valve cover nuts down until they stop, correct?Comment
-
Yeah, I'm 2 VR gaskets deep and they've both failed. I'm pretty experienced in installing gaskets, so I'm gonna say that's not it.
From what I can tell, the gasket itself is far too hard and the silicone bead doesn't get soft enough to actually seal. It's just a badly-designed piece. When I do my planned engine oil leak overhaul, I'll be using a waffle-type BMW gasket.Interested in vintage cars? Ever thought about racing one? Info, photos, videos, and more can be found at www.michaelsvintageracing.com!
Elva Courier build thread here!Comment
-
Hey! Quick question because I'm about to redo mine
Use any sealant anywhere for the m20 motor?
it's a Kenny Powers quote on wheelsComment
-
This thread has a good comparison image of the gasket profile for Elring vs OEM VCGaskets (about halfway down the page).
BMW vs Elring VCG
Looks like the BMW design features ribs to aid sealing, something which is missing on the Elring gasket, and presumably the VR too.
Also, as you noted, it's mentioned that the rubber compound used on each gasket is different, with the Elring being noticeably stiffer.
I just used some RTV where the rubber plugs sit at the front & rear of the cyl head, and let the OEM VCG do the rest.
Comment
-
the VR stuff has a bad rep all around on most everything. I've have had a handful of VR gaskets fail. Now I buy only Elring where available, and if not I research the oem manufacturer of the gasket and try to source it that way (cheaper) and if all else fails I will buy OEM. This strategy combined with the appropriate sealant (I usually use the Elring brand Curil-T which is BMW spec in many places) has resulted in no more gasket/seal failures.
I've had the VR and Elring gaskets/seals side by side a number of times and the difference is quite apparent.Comment
Comment