Valve cover gasket replacement, plastic broke off, what to do?

[Acedude]

I'm currently redoing the valve cover gasket for my 2007 BMW Z4, and when I'm removing the valve cover off, a plastic trim fell off.

View post on imgur.com

I press it back in place but it barely hangs on. When I'm trying to put the valve cover back, the slightest shock will dislodge it. The other plastic piece on the right is still pretty secure.

Can i use something like Permatex RED RTV as adhesive?
What is the purpose of the plastic anyway?

TIA

[StickMon]

Looks like it's part of the valve cover, not sold separately.
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...r/11127552281/
My guess is they lead to the crankcase vent line and prevent oil from splashing into the line.
RTV should be fine. Anything that can stand the temp and is compatible with oil.
The stuff used to seal the twisty bits on the ///M valve cover would probably work best.

[Acedude]

Originally Posted by StickMon

Looks like it's part of the valve cover, not sold separately.
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...r/11127552281/
My guess is they lead to the crankcase vent line and prevent oil from splashing into the line.
RTV should be fine. Anything that can stand the temp and is compatible with oil.
The stuff used to seal the twisty bits on the ///M valve cover would probably work best.

I ended up using some Gorilla super glue on that sucker. Hopefully it doesn't get loose over time and I end up finding pieces of plastic at the next oil change...

[3liter]

Originally Posted by Acedude

I ended up using some Gorilla super glue on that sucker. Hopefully it doesn't get loose over time and I end up finding pieces of plastic at the next oil change...

Are you willing to bet the cost of an engine if it falls off? I think I'd look for a used cover and not take a chance. But...I've been wrong before.

[dc_wright]

Originally Posted by Acedude

I ended up using some Gorilla super glue on that sucker. Hopefully it doesn't get loose over time and I end up finding pieces of plastic at the next oil change...

The black permatex Stickmon recommended might have been a better choice, but time will tell.....

[jfranci3]

Mine did the same thing on my e90. I'm wondering if it feel off again. What would be the symptoms of that missing? The car is currently spewing grey/white smoke under load.

[dc_wright]

Originally Posted by jfranci3

Mine did the same thing on my e90. I'm wondering if it feel off again. What would be the symptoms of that missing? The car is currently spewing grey/white smoke under load.

This would be the symptom. If the oil baffle is out of place you're likely pulling oil into the intake and burning it.

[jfranci3]

Originally Posted by dc_wright

This would be the symptom. If the oil baffle is out of place you're likely pulling oil into the intake and burning it.

What are you calling the baffle? The end bit on the cover, The diaphram? Or something in the pan? This is non-turbo. I confirmed the end bits were still on with a borescope.

I did the “hit the diaphram housing, R&R, and glued the new one on”. That improved things, but plugs were still fouled.h

[AngelFarelli]

I just did the same exact thing. I hate how they give you no room to pull it off like what the fuck were they thinking ?
I'm definitely not comfortable glueing it. Any other solutions?

[pungo]

JB weld (regular) is amazing for gluing/repairing stuff. Clean all oil with lacquer thinner or acetone, rough up the surfaces where to product will be applied with coarse sandpaper, build up a wide area on both pieces and let it cure overnight.

[racerbruce]

Originally Posted by AngelFarelli

I just did the same exact thing. I hate how they give you no room to pull it off like what the fuck were they thinking ?
I'm definitely not comfortable glueing it. Any other solutions?

Purchasing and installing a replacement valve cover is the best solution.

[Beedub]

new valve cover.... with the hot oil splashing around, the general environment inside the cover with the engine running its NOT worth it for the sake of a couple hundred bucks. change it and be done.

[wdb]

Originally Posted by racerbruce

Purchasing and installing a replacement valve cover is the best solution.

Originally Posted by Beedub

new valve cover.... with the hot oil splashing around, the general environment inside the cover with the engine running its NOT worth it for the sake of a couple hundred bucks. change it and be done.

My indy shop puts new valve covers on regularly. Claims they warp over time and never reseal as well as they should.

[WickedNy]

Originally Posted by wdb

My indy shop puts new valve covers on regularly. Claims they warp over time and never reseal as well as they should.

I think replacement of vcg is part of a 100k service for si...but I could be wrong changed gasket 3x and still had minor leaks on hard turns....just replaced VC and so far so good

[vt100]

Originally Posted by racerbruce

Purchasing and installing a replacement valve cover is the best solution.

100% this!

Besides, PCV on these engines is embedded into the valve cover and neither serviceable nor replaceable. There is some ugly HW hack that ppl do to clean it up but I wouldn't do this to my car.

[rsutoratosu]

fkk.. i need to do mine too.. small leak around cover. you guys have instructions that you are following. I guess when I do mine, ill order the whole kit with cover