Leaky valvetronic gasket again

ajguk · Post by **ajguk** » Fri Jul 07, 2023 2:26 pm

Hi all - in February I noticed a leak from my valvetronic motor gasket. I swapped it out for a new unit but it's now doing it again, so this time I'm going to use some gasket sealant to help it along as per this post: https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthre ... 946&page=2 although maybe not quite as much as the last guy used...

I can't seem to find advice on this anywhere, but should I apply the sealant and let it dry for an hour or two before seating the gasket? Or put it on wet perhaps and only torque it after a couple of hours curing? In both cases I'll wait 24 hours before starting the engine to give it a good chance.

I mentioned this gasket change to my mechanic and he asked me if I'd electronically reset the motor - is this necessary? Again advice around this seems to be patchy at best.

flybobbie · Post by **flybobbie** » Sat Jul 08, 2023 8:04 am

I replaced, never used sealant, but found the original wasn't leaking anyway.
New one doesn't leak. But is a poor design.
Might be cam cover gasket.
I used a obd to recycle the motor. Not sure if it sets itself automatically.

Got me thinking i will recheck my cars today.

RobbiZ4 · Post by **RobbiZ4** » Sat Jul 08, 2023 10:20 am

ajguk wrote: ↑Fri Jul 07, 2023 2:26 pm

Hi all - in February I noticed a leak from my valvetronic motor gasket. I swapped it out for a new unit but it's now doing it again, so this time I'm going to use some gasket sealant to help it along as per this post: https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthre ... 946&page=2 although maybe not quite as much as the last guy used...

I can't seem to find advice on this anywhere, but should I apply the sealant and let it dry for an hour or two before seating the gasket? Or put it on wet perhaps and only torque it after a couple of hours curing? In both cases I'll wait 24 hours before starting the engine to give it a good chance.

I mentioned this gasket change to my mechanic and he asked me if I'd electronically reset the motor - is this necessary? Again advice around this seems to be patchy at best.

Just replace it by another new one bought directly from your local BMW dealer, not online.
I've never heard about a 2nd leak after replacing it with a new one, so I would avoid any sealant.

ajguk · Post by **ajguk** » Sat Jul 08, 2023 11:09 am

Thanks, I'll source an OEM. The last one was an Elring I think from Autodoc.

Also hoping this is the source of my suspected vacuum leak, but we'll see I suppose. Really don't think the cam cover is leaking, there is a very distinct leak from the valvetronic gasket. Maybe I'm unlucky though and it's coming from both!

ajguk · Post by **ajguk** » Sat Jul 08, 2023 11:30 am

Think I must have just spoken to the cleaner.....he 'thinks' the parts dept is closed today. Very helpful. Guess I'll call back Monday....anyone know the OEM part number for the valvetronic gasket in case I need it?

RobbiZ4 · Post by **RobbiZ4** » Sat Jul 08, 2023 12:39 pm

30i 2009
https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showpa ... Id=11_3736

ajguk · Post by **ajguk** » Sat Jul 08, 2023 2:58 pm

RobbiZ4 wrote: ↑Sat Jul 08, 2023 12:39 pm 30i 2009
https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showpa ... Id=11_3736

Thanks! Was on that site earlier but obviously the wrong bit.....

ajguk · Post by **ajguk** » Mon Jul 17, 2023 4:35 pm

RobbiZ4 wrote: ↑Sat Jul 08, 2023 10:20 am Just replace it by another new one bought directly from your local BMW dealer, not online.
I've never heard about a 2nd leak after replacing it with a new one, so I would avoid any sealant.

Thanks Robbi - just closing this to say I got the new gasket on Saturday, fitted yesterday. So far no oil leaks and it's cured my vacuum leak, so she now starts on the button and no fluctuation in revs. Chuffed!

RobbiZ4 · Post by **RobbiZ4** » Mon Jul 17, 2023 7:29 pm

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