spark plug chamber oil leak

Harmander · 08-13-2012, 09:01 PM

So I went to change my spark plugs yesterday and as I was checking the old ones I found that one of the chambers had a bunch of oil in it. I didn't check all of the chambers but I did check most of them and only the second one from the front of the car had a leak. I guess it's just a bad valve cover gasket or spark plug seals so I'm gonna replace those. I was also told that while I'm at it I should replace the bolts that hold down the valve cover. Is that necessary or can I get away with just using the old bolts? They're aluminium bolts if that helps.
thanks

blingman · 08-13-2012, 11:34 PM

manual and dealer will tell you to replace the bolts and so will most here. I think I read about a select few who didnt, but not worth the risk.

J02 335i · 08-14-2012, 04:24 AM

I have replaced many valve cover gaskets on BMW's without replacing the bolts, you'll be fine.

Harmander · 08-14-2012, 08:38 AM

^^ conflicting stories now crap lol.

flexbrah · 08-14-2012, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by J02 335i

I have replaced many valve cover gaskets on BMW's without replacing the bolts, you'll be fine.

I've done 2 VCG's already and I never had to replace the bolts... but that was on my E46. With the newer E90's since they use the new aluminum bolt, it is suggested that you replace it every time.

Castle · 08-14-2012, 10:03 AM

Are the bolts too expensive?. I'd change them if that's what BMW recommends, no questions asked...

Harmander · 08-14-2012, 10:21 AM

they're not that expensive so just to be safe I'll replace them. thanks guys.
anyone happen to know if you need to remove the valvetronic motor to get the valve cover off?

e92oholic · 08-14-2012, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Harmander

So I went to change my spark plugs yesterday and as I was checking the old ones I found that one of the chambers had a bunch of oil in it. I didn't check all of the chambers but I did check most of them and only the second one from the front of the car had a leak. I guess it's just a bad valve cover gasket or spark plug seals so I'm gonna replace those. I was also told that while I'm at it I should replace the bolts that hold down the valve cover. Is that necessary or can I get away with just using the old bolts? They're aluminium bolts if that helps.
thanks

Ive done valve cover gaskets on about 5 BMW's never changed the bolts.

08-13-2012, 09:01 PM	#1
Harmander alpine white 13 Rep 342 Posts Drives: an oreo Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: New York iTrader: (0)	spark plug chamber oil leak So I went to change my spark plugs yesterday and as I was checking the old ones I found that one of the chambers had a bunch of oil in it. I didn't check all of the chambers but I did check most of them and only the second one from the front of the car had a leak. I guess it's just a bad valve cover gasket or spark plug seals so I'm gonna replace those. I was also told that while I'm at it I should replace the bolts that hold down the valve cover. Is that necessary or can I get away with just using the old bolts? They're aluminium bolts if that helps. thanks
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08-13-2012, 11:34 PM	#2
blingman Lieutenant 40 Rep 413 Posts Drives: 3er Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Houston iTrader: (2)	manual and dealer will tell you to replace the bolts and so will most here. I think I read about a select few who didnt, but not worth the risk.
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08-14-2012, 04:24 AM	#3
J02 335i Lieutenant Colonel 39 Rep 1,558 Posts Drives: F80 M3 Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Ontario iTrader: (1)	I have replaced many valve cover gaskets on BMW's without replacing the bolts, you'll be fine. __________________ Sport pack, JB3, Dci, factory oil cooler, 18" M3 reps, Michelin PSS, painted trim, black grills, smoked side markers, LED plate lights, H&R coils, Borla catback
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08-14-2012, 08:38 AM	#4
Harmander alpine white 13 Rep 342 Posts Drives: an oreo Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: New York iTrader: (0)	^^ conflicting stories now crap lol.
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08-14-2012, 10:03 AM	#6
Castle Second Lieutenant 17 Rep 276 Posts Drives: 2007 BMW 320i Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: - iTrader: (0)	Are the bolts too expensive?. I'd change them if that's what BMW recommends, no questions asked...
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08-14-2012, 10:21 AM	#7
Harmander alpine white 13 Rep 342 Posts Drives: an oreo Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: New York iTrader: (0)	they're not that expensive so just to be safe I'll replace them. thanks guys. anyone happen to know if you need to remove the valvetronic motor to get the valve cover off?
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