Rocker cover gasket failure?

CRAIGO · Post by **CRAIGO** » Fri Jan 18, 2019 9:20 pm

While poking around trying to find a source to a possible coolant leak, I noticed what looks like fresh oil weeping down the cylinder head (under the intake manifold).

Does this look like a rocker cover gasket replacement? I’ll take off the engine cover and look during daylight.

If so, where’s the best place to buy a quality replacement? I’ve done these in the past on previous cars.

: 961ACB0B-5756-4D63-99CE-7744D93802F5.jpeg (312.35 KiB) Viewed 910 times

Thanks

mr nurburgring · Post by **mr nurburgring** » Fri Jan 18, 2019 9:35 pm

I would say oil filter housing gasket, possibly rocker cover gasket but requires a good look.

The oil filter housing gasket leaks and blows back along the block and the sump gasket seam. Common issue..

CRAIGO · Post by **CRAIGO** » Fri Jan 18, 2019 10:41 pm

Sounds plausible thanks. I’ll pull some covers and take a good look this weekend to try and find the root cause. The car had a comprehensive service by an Indy in April and has only covered around 2000 miles since.

I did wonder why the rocker cover gasket would perish around the cold side rather than the usual exhaust manifold side.

Both coolant and oil levels are tip top so it’s all very minor.

Cheers

Chris_D · Post by **Chris_D** » Fri Jan 18, 2019 10:43 pm

+1 oil filter housing gasket.
done both on mine at same time.
been drizabone ever since

CRAIGO · Post by **CRAIGO** » Fri Jan 18, 2019 10:47 pm

Chris_D wrote: ↑Fri Jan 18, 2019 10:43 pm +1 oil filter housing gasket.
done both on mine at same time.
been drizabone ever since

Perfect - sounds good coming from two reputable sources

Are there any instructions on swapping the filter housing gaskets available online?

I guess the Indy didn’t use new filter housing gaskets when changing the oil and filter then? I would expect them to last longer than 9 months unless one isn’t seated correctly?

Thanks

mr nurburgring · Post by **mr nurburgring** » Fri Jan 18, 2019 10:54 pm

Hi, it’s not the filter top gasket it’s the rubber seal between the block and the housing.
Belt off, alternator off, electrical connector and a few bolts. Took me about an hour to do mine.
I’ll try find a pic

patriot66 · Post by **patriot66** » Fri Jan 18, 2019 10:56 pm

mr nurburgring wrote: ↑Fri Jan 18, 2019 9:35 pm I would say oil filter housing gasket, possibly rocker cover gasket but requires a good look.

The oil filter housing gasket leaks and blows back along the block and the sump gasket seam. Common issue..

Agree with this. Definitely the OFH gasket. I replaced mine April last year, exactly the same as your photo. Alternator off job to fit a new one

mr nurburgring · Post by **mr nurburgring** » Fri Jan 18, 2019 10:58 pm

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showpar ... Id=11_2201
Number 6

patriot66 · Post by **patriot66** » Fri Jan 18, 2019 11:00 pm

mr nurburgring wrote: ↑Fri Jan 18, 2019 10:54 pm Hi, it’s not the filter top gasket it’s the rubber seal between the block and the housing.
Belt off, alternator off, electrical connector and a few bolts. Took me about an hour to do mine.
I’ll try find a pic

Mr Nurburgring is correct. This is the OFH gasket

: maxresdefault.jpg (106.88 KiB) Viewed 885 times

CRAIGO · Post by **CRAIGO** » Fri Jan 18, 2019 11:17 pm

Cheers guys - I also found a YouTube video as I didn’t realise the mating surface was straight on the block - I’d assumed the filter housing was remotely mounted via a inlet/outlet hardpipe and that the seals would simply be within the filter housing or similar. Having seen those images - I completely agree it’s the filter housing gasket now.

I have the tools and I’m confident enough to do the job myself. Would I need to jack the front end up and remove the under tray or can this be carried out completely within the engine bay from above?

If from above, i might strip it all down this weekend and then next weekend fit the new gasket and reassemble.

The strip down should allow me to inspect the coolant system and expansion tank too.

Thanks

Chris_D · Post by **Chris_D** » Fri Jan 18, 2019 11:33 pm

did mine from above after removing a few bit and pieces.
torque values for tightening are quite important as the housing is pretty fragile.
sorry can't remember off top of my head and after necking 7 Duvels but there are 7 or 9 bolts all of different lengths that u need to be careful with when tightening. u'll find the info somewhere on line.
good luck and post up final results fella

patriot66 · Post by **patriot66** » Sat Jan 19, 2019 12:14 am

Chris_D wrote: ↑Fri Jan 18, 2019 11:33 pm did mine from above after removing a few bit and pieces.
torque values for tightening are quite important as the housing is pretty fragile.
sorry can't remember off top of my head and after necking 7 Duvels but there are 7 or 9 bolts all of different lengths that u need to be careful with when tightening. u'll find the info somewhere on line.
good luck and post up final results fella

6 x M8 bolts @ 22Nm

7 x Duvel @ 8.5% =

My absolute favourite beer 'of all time mate' but I can only manage 2 or 3 before my legs stop working

CRAIGO · Post by **CRAIGO** » Sat Jan 19, 2019 1:16 am

I’ve a wrench that can dial that in but it’s 18inch long and space looks tight. I’ll figure it out though.

I’ve put 300 miles on this car since buying it and everyone I know who’s seen it has really admired it. I’ve spent the last week getting the front bumper resprayed by a friend who owns a spray shop, looking into a roof motor relocation, detailing, checking for a suspected coolant leak and taking nearly everyone I know out for a spin with both noise generator foams removed. I’m having fun in Winter so god knows what the Summer fun factor will bring!

I’ll cycle to work next week.

CRAIGO · Post by **CRAIGO** » Sat Jan 19, 2019 9:00 pm

It seems the leak is worse than I thought - that gasket must be completely shot so it’s off the road now until I replace it. It’s gone from a full dipstick to the middle level of the dipstick within only 150 miles and the below is what I found today - fresh oil everywhere around the housing but nothing to worry about around the rocker gasket.

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: 2DCC3BB8-9DDA-4575-B7FD-D1F0A5AD5EFA.jpeg (393.2 KiB) Viewed 810 times

I’ll order a new gasket from BMW if they’re still available for the E85 M54.

I’m struggling to find a complete list of the tools I’ll need for the job. I’d like to pull out every correct socket, spanner and torque wrench so I can hit the ground running without having to faff about mid job. I don’t own any torx sockets but from the limited view I have from above, it doesn’t seem like there are any? I want to use this week to buy everything I’m going to need in preparation for next weekend. I.e tools, oil, gasket - belts and or pulleys while I’m down there?

Does anyone have the above info?

Thanks

patriot66 · Post by **patriot66** » Sat Jan 19, 2019 9:44 pm

50sKid on YouTube has been very useful for info for a lot of work I've done on my Z4 over the last couple of years. Watch this 30 minute video, pretty much all you need to know. Just bear in mind he has a US spec E46, but apart from the power steering reservoir and a few other minor things it's all applicable on your Z4
https://youtu.be/zC_cmsX68Ok
Also, genuine BMW gasket £4.95 on Ebay https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre ... 3968349689
Take your time and with the right tools it's an easy and satisfying job.

Z4-forum.com

Z4-forum.com