Profile Gasket

[alB5]

So after figuring out that the profile gasket needs to be replaced, I decided to ask you guys if there is anything else that looks wrong on this pic. There is a lot of "seepage" on the block and valve cover, but couldn't find the source.

[Dj Buttchug]

looks like most of that seep on the front above the t stat housing probably came from the valve cover gasket leaking. cam sprockets look good. what profile gasket are you going to replace?

while your intake is off do the hoses and fuel lines in there.

[alB5]

I assumed that there was only one profile gasket, but I purchased the entire head gasket set, and it contains an extensive amount of gaskets. Was planning on doing the entire head with new gaskets throughout. I also bought new rails, guides and a new tensioner. I need to figure out where this leak comes from, because my valve cover gasket looks fine.

[KenC]

My guess is either the upper pan, front crank seal, or the oil filter housing O-ring & gasket.

[Ceeker]

would anyone know if there was an update to the problematic profile gasket? I know someone who needs to change his.
or was there something done to try and prevent this from happening again?

[KenC]

Yeah the part was updated.

[Ceeker]

Yeah the part was updated.

dealer or aftermarket item? and who would carry it aftermarket?

[io_RobbieRodgers]

I'm pretty sure every major dealer sells the new item, not the old one. That's been my experience anyways, realOEM shows that they end parts and the new ones are what is offered on places like Pelican, BavAuto and AHAZ. I got the TCPG as part of the Victor Reinz gasket package, though they kind of look identical. Dunno if it's different material or what. I'll dig my old one out of the trash and post pics tomorrow compared to the new one.

I think the best thing you can do is use BMW-brand coolant after you install the new one to prevent corrosion, and make sure you clean the existing corrosion out with a dremel, and use plenty of sealant or JB Weld if the corrosion is bad enough.

[AndrewBird]

Just because the gasket "looks" good, doesn't mean it wasn't leaking. To find a leak, I will clean the engine thoroughly so there is no oil on it, then drive the car for a few days/weeks. Much easier to see where the oil is coming fro if everything isn't covered in it.

In your case, you shouldn't reuse the valve cover gasket anyway, so just replace it. And if you are pulling the head to do the profile gasket, do any and all other gaskets as well. They are cheap and worth the extra time.