Oil leak - what part is this and how do i fix it? (pic)

[eek142]

I just bought a 1989 325i and am starting to fix it up. I noticed it had a small oil leak while running in the garage today. I wiped everything down on the underside of the car then jacked it up while it was running. Here is the camera phone pic I took:



As you can see, it's near the oil filter, but the oil filter itself seems fine. What is that part and how do I fix the leak?

[TheB1G Lebowski]

Is there a snap ring holding it in? If so remove the ring with snap ring pliers, and remove the plug. See if you can use a small amount of sealant (silicone) but very very little. Obviously there is oil in there so you dont want any sealant entering the oil lines, or where it routs in the engine. Try to get a clearer pic, and closer with some light too please. And ill look at mine.

[TheB1G Lebowski]

Just tried looking at mine and damn how did you get a camera near there? lol. damn that is a tight spot, let me get a flash light and let my engine cool down so i can get my face near it.

[Aptyp]

it's oil thermostat, and they are notorious for leaking. Luckily replacement seal kit is only about $5 from dealer.

[TheB1G Lebowski]

awesome, while i was looking at mine it seems like its leaking too. :(

[eek142]

That sounds awesome. I am VERY glad to hear that.

And yeah, it was a freaking tight spot..had to take the wheel off and really crawl under there.

[eek142]

BUMP for a quick question. I ordered the kit with the new o-ring from Pelican. Is it absolutely necessary to have a c-clamp to disassemble and reassemble the thermostat correctly? I can't find one at the moment and don't want to waste time driving half an hour to the hardware store tomorrow morning.

[jlevie]

I won't say that it is essential, but you'll need three hands to get the spring clip back in otherwise.

[eek142]

Gah. Yeah, no one else is around, so I guess I'm going to have to get the clamp early tomorrow then. Would a 3-inch one be big enough or is 4 inches the minimum? I think that's what was recommended in a writeup somewhere.

[SamE30e]

If it's anything like the M50 oil stand, you need to replace the o-ring behind it.

[eek142]

Just bought a 3" c-clamp b/c they did not have anything bigger. Will this work?

[StereoInstaller1]

Is there a snap ring holding it in? If so remove the ring with snap ring pliers, and remove the plug. See if you can use a small amount of sealant (silicone) but very very little.

NO!

-as a matter of fact-

FUCKING NO!

this is NOT a goddamn Chevy or Ford, this is a BMW, you do NOT fix leaks like that! No bullshit repairs!

Replace the damn crush washers. There are 2 different sizes, just buy both. New o-rings too, plus get the ones at the oil cooler itself, save yourself the hassle. Don't forget you will need a filter and fresh oil. BMW or Mann filter: Walmart 20w-50 high mileage oil.

If you can take that photo, you can pull the entire oil cooler system out in about half an hour.

Luke

[SamE30e]

Is there a snap ring holding it in? If so remove the ring with snap ring pliers, and remove the plug. See if you can use a small amount of sealant (silicone) but very very little.

What!

That wouldn't work at all, or be smart, the o-ring is like .50$ at Part Source.

[eek142]

I fixed this today by installing a new snap ring, plug, and o-ring. Getting the new snap ring in was a huge pain in the ass given the lighting, room to work, and a slippery c-clamp.

[M-technik-3]

Suggest using some better filters.