Burning oil

C

CoupeJ

Member
I’ve driven for thousands of miles now pretty much trouble free, so it’s only fair an issue pops up at some point 😂

I’ve noticed in the last couple days a burning smell from the cabin, usually after start up but no smoke emitting and it was going away, so at first put it down to other factors but had a look last night and it’s clearly got a decent leak.

I first suspected the most common gasket, but the engine was overhauled by BigWinn and pretty much everything is spotless and working perfectly, no clear rocker cover gasket leaks so I’m now thinking what else it could be that’s just gone with time and perished. Hopefully the video makes it clear.

https://youtube.com/shorts/a3U_lwASgBk?si=YcJZ4oHGJ3_7mkDo

It looks to me based on additional research to be the vacuum pump seal has gone, but appreciate any additional insight as well. I won’t be driving much due to the time of year and working remote, but is there any immediate danger of this too I.e dripping elsewhere although it seems to be burning pretty much instantly.
 
Only places that do leak from gasket fails are the Cam cover gasket and centre plug well gaskets and the oil filter housing to block gasket. The cam cover gasket is the more likely culprit if its dropping onto the exhaust shield and producing smoke. I always use Elring brand gaskets that include the 15 round rubber cover bolt seals dependant on model. These seals also go hard with age and will not compress enough if you reuse the old ones. BMW TIS also states that gasket sealant should be used around the half moon shapes at the front and rear of the cover where the gasket changes direction. Always worth giving the cam cover itself a close inspection and clean, have had some that have developed cracks and started crumbling as the plastic has degraded over time and heat cycles just like the gaskets do.
 
Thanks both. If it wasn't for the rocker cover gasket being done back in May it would be the first thing I'd have assumed, maybe it got pinched on a corner and has started to fail but I doubt it. Will have a really good look tonight and move as much as I can out of the way, always enjoyable when it's lashing it down and about -3.

Will let you know what I find when I get round to it.
 
So after getting back from a long time working away I’ve had another look, and it seems there is oil pooling underneath the valvetronic motor so assuming it’s the likely culprit.

I’d rather not change the RCG if it’s been done so recently and it’s not obviously leaking from there, is it as simple as:

Remove the harness and ignition coils
Wind the motor CCW
Unbolt the motor
Replace the gasket
Rewind the motor CW
Refit the bolts either side

I have read previously there’s some ‘learning’ which goes on with the motor, but guessing that’s for replacement units rather than refitting?

If so I’ll get the parts ordered, seems a simple enough DIY. Seems pointless to have a garage do it if it’s as simple as it sounds.

Always appreciate being told I’m misunderstanding something so fire away 😂
 
After being here there and everywhere for work I finally got round to doing this, or at least trying...

I'm almost certain it's the valvetronic gasket leaking because under has plenty of oil residue, and I'm assuming this would normally be fairly dry but jesus wept I can't for the life of me get my hands, or 8mm socket in to take the bottom locating fixing. Must admit I don't have the slimline sockets, nor hands for such tight spaces so might have to get someone else in for this one.

Anyway, having been defeated for the day and it getting dark I've put the coils back in, harness etc and battery back on. Upon starting, I'm getting a misfire and code 2E1C Cyl 5. I'm assuming, considering it has run perfectly fine up until right now it's potentially just not seated right, or just immense luck the ignition coil failed right at the same time. Tomorrow morning I'll swap 5 with 2 or whatever and see if it moves across.

Anyone recommend a local indy in the Hull/York area who knows these well enough to not mess the valvetronic gasket replacement? Seems like such a simple job but I don't think I'd trust a garage to take the tension off and put it into service mode etc, I'd rather pay someone who knows the N52 well.
 
Had same problem.....make sure coil packs on plugs back in snug and the clips that go down are fully located. Done the valvetronic gasket on my N52...pretty straight forward, but did not cure the burning oil smell. That was the valve cover gasket around the spark plugs. For Indies I've used Autohaus just outside york and a mate has recommended Atlas autos in York but I've no experience with them. Does not sound to be a major problem you have.
 
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