Yet another "Replaced Valve Cover gasket and still Leaks"

Do you want to buy a used valve cover? I have one and would like to unload it. PM if you want.

Originally Posted by alhayek

Well, my job just got a more difficult. I stripped the threading in the engine where the stud bolt (part 11121718856, or item #10 in this graph http://realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?...13&hg=11&fg=15). So now I will need a time sert!

Why the heck is this happening ? I didn't over-tighten the bolt! why the heck would these threads strip ? This is the second time this happened to me! . I always use the freaking torque wrench!

Wow. I believe the torque spec for those studs is only about 11 ft/lbs, and the cap nuts is about 8 ft/lbs, which is very light and shouldn't have resulted in stripped threads. Was the VCG replaced before, and is it possible that someone else may have overtightened the nuts/studs and weakened the threads in the process?

Originally Posted by josephi

Wow. I believe the torque spec for those studs is only about 11 ft/lbs, and the cap nuts is about 8 ft/lbs, which is very light and shouldn't have resulted in stripped threads. Was the VCG replaced before, and is it possible that someone else may have overtightened the nuts/studs and weakened the threads in the process?

Quite possible really. I recall when I replace the gasket for the first time that one of the nut caps had two washers, so someone must have done this before. I also recall this specific stupid nut cap not tightening correctly. I can get it to a max of maybe 8 nm (spec says 10 nm).

Oh well, I just have to fix what someone else broke I guess. I'm trying to be positive and think of this as training for my future M3 !

Originally Posted by Brinkley

Do you want to buy a used valve cover? I have one and would like to unload it. PM if you want.

The question is how do I even know if your cover is not warped ? is it off a 99 ? if I had to replace the cover I'd rather get a new one.

Just get a new one. it comes w/ a brand new gasket. get it from ecstuning.com or bmwmercedesparts.com. $200 or under shipped. Don't buy no used barnyard cover. you'll just have problems.

Originally Posted by alhayek

The question is how do I even know if your cover is not warped ? is it off a 99 ? if I had to replace the cover I'd rather get a new one.

It's from a 2002 325ci (the other car listed under my name) Is it warped? I don't think so. You were complaining about how much they cost, and I have one I'm willing to part with for dirt cheap. If you want to get a new one sure, simply offering you a choice. GL

Originally Posted by Brinkley

It's from a 2002 325ci (the other car listed under my name) Is it warped? I don't think so. You were complaining about how much they cost, and I have one I'm willing to part with for dirt cheap. If you want to get a new one sure, simply offering you a choice. GL

case and point. why is it off your car to begin with?

You know what I don't get about you? Your attitude. You have a nice ride, that's great. Some people share your opinion about replacing things with brand new stuff, some don't. So what? Why does it bother you so much? If he wants my barnyard valve cover, ok, if not, that's still ok. I made an offer to help, he doesn't want to do it, so I'm moving on with my life. Please waste your time continuing on and on in this thread.

Originally Posted by alhayek

Quite possible really. I recall when I replace the gasket for the first time that one of the nut caps had two washers, so someone must have done this before. I also recall this specific stupid nut cap not tightening correctly. I can get it to a max of maybe 8 nm (spec says 10 nm).

Oh well, I just have to fix what someone else broke I guess. I'm trying to be positive and think of this as training for my future M3 !

Good luck. I hope it all works out!

Two things:

First, always replace the rubber grommets. The first time I replaced mine I didn't order enough so I reused two of them. Sure enough within a few months it was leaking from the old grommets.

Second, the VC bolts are designed so that they bottom out on the head after compressing the grommets slightly. Tightening beyond that will only stress the bolt and threads. So I was advised by my indy to use a small ratchet, 1/4 or 3/8 max, and tighten them down until you feel the bolt bottom out. Then tighten by feel beyond that just enough so that they don't loosen up.

I did this when I replaced the VCG the second time and have had no problem over a year later.

Originally Posted by Brinkley

You know what I don't get about you? Your attitude. You have a nice ride, that's great. Some people share your opinion about replacing things with brand new stuff, some don't. So what? Why does it bother you so much? If he wants my barnyard valve cover, ok, if not, that's still ok. I made an offer to help, he doesn't want to do it, so I'm moving on with my life. Please waste your time continuing on and on in this thread.

I'm here to protect the people and their cars. You want to pawn off old broken parts onto unsuspecting members, do it somewhere else.

Now if you'll excuse me, Officer JFOJ and I have some patrols to do. If you behave nicely, perhaps one day we'll let you go on a ride along. Show you how this rodeo is done!

Originally Posted by havnfun328

Two things:

First, always replace the rubber grommets. The first time I replaced mine I didn't order enough so I reused two of them. Sure enough within a few months it was leaking from the old grommets.

Second, the VC bolts are designed so that they bottom out on the head after compressing the grommets slightly. Tightening beyond that will only stress the bolt and threads. So I was advised by my indy to use a small ratchet, 1/4 or 3/8 max, and tighten them down until you feel the bolt bottom out. Then tighten by feel beyond that just enough so that they don't loosen up.

I did this when I replaced the VCG the second time and have had no problem over a year later.

While I agree they should not be tightened beyond bottoming out, they shouldn't be bottomed out in the first place. Bottoming out the nuts excessively flattens/distorts the grommets. If you look at cars where the valve cover has never been touched (04+ models) you'll notice the rubber grommets are nowhere near squished,flattened or distorted. 10 ft-lbs--no more.

Originally Posted by E46Mango

I'm here to protect the people and their cars. You want to pawn off old broken parts onto unsuspecting members, do it somewhere else.

Now if you'll excuse me, Officer JFOJ and I have some patrols to do. If you behave nicely, perhaps one day we'll let you go on a ride along. Show you how this rodeo is done!

Ill behave as I please, and no thanks on the rodeo. I came here to offer this guy a legit alternative to his problem, and I'll continue to inform other members that they don't HAVE to follow your bs.
Ill add that I admit that you do help people, but I think you'd get a better response from those who don't see eye to eye with you with a change in attitude. Now, off to work, maybe my 14 year old 160,000 mile fuel pump will go and make your day.

You took the bait

The time sert saved me ! for now the car is back to where it was when I attempted to eliminate the initial minor leak. Just when I was about to buy the dang valve cover, my alternator started crapping out on me! so getting ready to drop 200-500 dollars now (depending on whether I will get a re-manufactured or new alternator)

Originally Posted by alhayek

The time sert saved me ! for now the car is back to where it was when I attempted to eliminate the initial minor leak. Just when I was about to buy the dang valve cover, my alternator started crapping out on me! so getting ready to drop 200-500 dollars now (depending on whether I will get a re-manufactured or new alternator)

Replace the voltage regulator. Pull your alternator out to see what kind you need. Bosch 120a, valeo, etc.

Pray it's the Bosch.

$

O boy, this thread makes me nervous about my VCG DIY soon... Thanks for the help on susp btw Mango, I'm sure it was too menial for you

Originally Posted by Tampa02e46

O boy, this thread makes me nervous about my VCG DIY soon... Thanks for the help on susp btw Mango, I'm sure it was too menial for you

huh? can't tell if you're being sarcastic. did you ask a question and i didn't get to it?

Prayer answered. Its a BOSCH.

Originally Posted by alhayek

Prayer answered. Its a BOSCH.

Good. You must've faced Bavaria and kneeled 3x (As DMAX says) with genuine bmw coolant smeared on your forehead in a round shape with genuine 5w-30 motor oil as an outline and a mango in your pocket.


Was it 120A?