Valvetronic oil leak and stripped thread

[Shaun T]

Hi all, got a pretty bad oil leak from the valvetronic on my 2011 N52 2.5. I took the plastic engine cover off to take a look tonight and could see where the oil is leaking down the engine especially if i turn a hard to the left. Did look a few weeks ago but haven't used the car much so left it tbh. But tonight I could see the screw that is in the right hand side was coming out and has stripped the plastic. Anyway I am going to replace the seal but is there anything I can do with the stripped thread? Have some ideas from Google but not sure.

 

[bigwinn]

I don’t think you’ll be able to fix that… I thought that the t40 on the gasket fitted into metal sleeves sat in the plastic of the valve cover- but the 2nd pic looks like it’s been in plastic?

New valve covers aren’t mega expensive but I’d be planning to go that route unless someone knows better

 

[Shaun T]

I was surprised to see it but the screw that has come out is designed for plastic so can't see what it actually does the two inner screws seem to do all the work and believe are torqued to 10nm...E8 star from what I can see...

 

[bigwinn]

The inner ones which are e8 hold the valvetronic to the gasket with a 3rd underneath

Then 2x t40 hold the outer edges of the gasket to the valve cover itself

 

[Shaun T]

tbh this car is doing my head in,love it but it has been such a nightmare...one thing after another. Had the vanos etc done last year, then the rear light unit went and then a leak in the boot which flooded the parking sensor module which I replaced but also took the roof module which is still knackered.

 

[Shaun T]

I should have the new gasket delivered next week and will change it, seen online hownto reset the position of the valvetronic by just using the key etc so fingers crossed should be pretty easy.

 

[Micke]

@Shaun T I was also a bit concerned when I replaced the gasket because of the valvetronic motor. I used the allen key method and it worked without any issues.

 

[Shaun T]

Fingers crossed and thanks for the message, gives me a bit more reassurance...hopefully get this done then get the roof sorted....