Valve Cover Gasket Replaced (M52 Engine)

RW16610 · 09-27-2012, 01:01 AM

Hey Folks,

I'm sure there are plenty of DIY's around the web but I really enjoy viewing topics like these so decided to share mine. Made a few calls to see who actually had this gasket set in stock and finally one place was able to get one within an hour. The bad news was though the guy at the counter ordered the wrong part. He brought out the M44, 4 Cylinder gasket set and for some reason tried to convince me it was the one. After double checking on his computer in front of me he realized that he had been mistaken. Thankfully the driver was near the warehouse and all of it was close to the store so I only ended up waiting 10 - 15 mins or so.

Got back home, had a slice of Pizza and got everything organized to begin the work on my 97 328is (M52 engine) valve cover gasket(s). Over all the job took me about two hours from start to finish (all cleaned up). Here are the images taken at each stage of the project:

RW16610 · 09-27-2012, 01:01 AM

RW16610 · 09-27-2012, 01:02 AM

Put it all back together and of course started it up with the hood open to check for any leaks or issues and it was clear so took it for a test drive and after things sort of settled in it was perfect!

Ceeker · 09-27-2012, 08:21 AM

keep in mind that RTV gasket maker needs time to set. Personally when I use it I only put a very thin coating on, otherwise it is recommended to first fasten the parts finger tight. let set for a hour or so and then torque down to spec. I haven't had problems using that product. good job. clean motor btw!!

RW16610 · 09-27-2012, 11:02 AM

Thanks, man. I am glad you pointed that out about the RTV sealant. Mine was left to set for probably half an hour but the layer on those spots was quite thin. This was a lot of fun and of course very rewarding. Considering that at BMW the gasket set is $76 (probably before tax) and with parts and labor tax in they charge $348.00 CAD currently. It was not too hard but certainly a lot of work and the bolts at the back as always too some added effort to reach and remove. I see your quite the fan of E30's! Those make for some great project cars.

ScotcH · 09-27-2012, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ceeker

clean motor btw!!

Lol wut??? I was about to say that one dirty ass engine!

Need better oil and drive it harder to burn that shit off

RW16610 · 09-27-2012, 02:00 PM

I plan on getting the oil changed soon and you can bet it will be driven hard

It's amazing how over the past two years of owning this car the transmission adapted to a proper driving style and works flawlessly. At first it would not even shift into second gear at high RPM but so much time and effort has been put into getting this car to where it is today

kenmar · 09-28-2012, 12:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ScotcH

Lol wut??? I was about to say that one dirty ass engine!

Need better oil and drive it harder to burn that shit off

Sorry to the OP, but I would have to agree. I did mine last year and I did not have any crud like that under the valve cover. My motor was on Mobil1 with oil changes every 5-6k

I used Permatex orange all around the perimeter of the valve cover (vs. only at the "half moons" as the Bentley recommends) but I noticed that it seems to be slight wet around the rear of the engine recently. Might have to redo it if it gets worse.

BTW, the "exterior" of your engine does look clean (at least compared to mine)

RW16610 · 09-28-2012, 12:31 AM

Yeah, this car was completely neglected by the previous owner unfortunately. On top of the transmission issues it had at first everything was SO dirty and it took a very long time to get the exterior looking as it does now. Funny thing is the last time it was washed was right after the winter to get all of salt dust off and it was fairly dusty again from the summer driving. Along with a dirty Mass Air Flow sensor causing a check engine light to be on it was in need of an injector cleaning and full tune up. After doing all of these things it was much better but still a few things that I plan on doing to keep it well. Getting the oil done soon and Mobil 1 is high up on the list

Sorry to hear about the possible seep at the back of your engine there. Hopefully it does not get worse anytime soon because that would be such a pain.

BmW1819 · 10-05-2012, 10:27 PM

Where do u buy thus car from?

RW16610 · 10-05-2012, 10:32 PM

Believe it or not this car was purchased via an ad on Kijiji from the summer of 2010. As the above posts point out, it needed some work done (and still needs a bit to be perfect) but turned out to be a really good buy. It seems like a lot of people list both on Autotrader.ca and Kijiji now since it is free.