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Swapping out my valve cover gasket, any tips?

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    #1

    Swapping out my valve cover gasket, any tips?

    My '88 325i vert has been giving me the elusive 1222 error code. In tracing down possible vacuum leaks, I discovered some oil leaks around the valve cover (as well as other areas, but that's another post).

    Anyhow, I'm going to change out the valve cover gasket & my Bentley isn't here yet, so I was looking for some install tips.

    I also bought 4 rocker arm plugs or whatever they are called so they will be replaced as well. It seems pretty straight-forward, but for anyone who has done this, do you have any tips to make the install go easier?
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    #2
    It's a pretty easy, Just take your time.

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      #3
      not much to do to make it easier, just take you time like Ryan said. Maybe adjust the valves while its open?

      oh, do NOT use any silicone or sealants. Just a dry gasket.
      1989 cirrisblau-metallic 325i

      Comment

        #4
        Some thoughts

        Check/replace the crankcase breather hose that attaches to the valve cover.
        Get the spark plug wiring harness well out of the way as the plastic rings holding it on the valve cover studs are fragile.
        Torque for the valve cover nuts is only 6-7 ft-lbs.
        You can spray carb cleaner near the fuel injectors and see if the idle changes (confirmed an intake manifold gasket leak that way) :(
        Take a look at your spark plugs, and if you're planning to adjust the valves, it'll make it easier to turn the engine if they're out.
        On Christ the solid Rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand. (Edward Mote 1797-1874)

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          #5
          hey guys... i am so sorry to revive an old thread but i didn't want to start another thread ..

          I am in a bit of a pickle and need some advice...just bought an 89 325is... doing some engine renovations among which a valve cover gasket change... I found the instructions in the bentley...everything went well...they said to torque the nuts to 11 ft-lbs (which i did) and managed to strip( i think) a couple of the studs...or what i think is the stud... i tried to pull it back out and it all came out (stud and nut together) when i tried again (gently) it just spins loose... Did I just strip the theads in the head..? I personally think i did...which sucks. And if that is the case... what is the HECK do i do? please help... what are my options... Easy fix, or do i need a new head? thanks
          sigpic

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            #6
            It does sound like the threads in the head stripped. The fix for that would be a HeliCoil or Timesert thread repair.
            The car makes it possible, but the driver makes it happen.
            Jim Levie, Huntsville, AL

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              #7
              what do you mean it spins loose? the valve cover studs are not meant to be torqued down very hard. When I put my valve cover back on after adjusting my valves I accidentley snapped one of the studs in half by over-torquing one of the nuts. I was able to get it out by wrapping the remaining stud in something rubber just to allow the vise grips a better grip and then twisting with the vise grips until it's out. When I re-installed it I did not have to put much torque on it. I believe there is only supposed to be 8ft-lbs on a stud, but no point measuring just tighten it with until it's steady in there and put the valve cover back on.

              Make sure not to over-torque the nuts like I did..
              -Darius (aka DiscoDoughnuts on other forums)

              dude man bro...

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                #8
                thanks jlevie, dnova89 ... it spins loose meaning it torques like it doesn't have anything to grip... My Bentley said to torque to 11 ft-lbs... this was my first time doing it and i wanted to be correct, trust me i went so easy on it, but i did want to reach 11... which in this case was too much... i will try the helicoil and timesert... The studs were all bad looking, i should have just gotten new ones... darn it...
                sigpic

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                  #9
                  Im going to replace my valve cover gasket as well as it is leaking onto my exhaust manifold gaskets. I have the bentley and im sure the procedure is pretty simple. My question is what do the rocker arm plugs actually do? I know they are cheap but should I buy them or what?
                  Originally posted by b3albakii
                  the head was okey .. and in a good mood
                  no i didnt over heat it so much
                  www.blunttech.com

                  Comment

                    #10
                    Originally posted by foofopps View Post
                    Im going to replace my valve cover gasket as well as it is leaking onto my exhaust manifold gaskets. I have the bentley and im sure the procedure is pretty simple. My question is what do the rocker arm plugs actually do? I know they are cheap but should I buy them or what?
                    Those plug arms keep oil in. My mechanic buddy uses a small amount of gasket sealer around each on where they fit into the block. I guess they have a tendancy to shrink over time & will let oil leak out.

                    Yes, get the end plugs, they are cheap & use a bit of sealant around each one. You'll see how easy it is to take them off when you pull the valve cover.

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