Brilliant - thanks Timm, my so called specialist had me changing these once a year as a routine and saying there was nothing I could do about it - will try this trick asap!
Interesting! Yes I've been told that I need oil valves replaced for leaking possibly the heads. I found this informative. I don't work on cars. It's dripping all the way down as the techs put it. And it's been doing it a while. With extreme cold, it really became noticeable. A while back, a mechanic told me it was fine and nothing wrong.
Loctite is a life saver. Even the parts that difficult to reach. I hate leaks on cars but every part has a lifetime. After 20 years most of car look a jar. 6 series look as brand new still .
I’ve just replaced these gaskets on the M62 in my 840Ci Sport. I thought I was as careful as I could be, given that as you know, in the E31 the back-end of the engine is tucked in right against the bulkhead and you can’t see it. I thought I was successful…..but guess what? I’ve noticed oil on the garage floor! 😢 I can’t actually see or even feel where it’s coming. So, I’m going to give your tip a go and see what happens. I don’t relish the prospect of having to pull everything apart again…..bad back! Thanks for the tip!
When I replaced gaskets and timing cover gaskets, the rubber bushings broke as soon as I turned the nut. also my valve cover gaskets had turned into hard plastic. great tip but I'm glad I did the whole job with fresh rubber and gaskets. had to replace valve stem seals anyway, so everything got refreshed. at 100k I'm expecting it to last for the rest of my ownership
I need to do that procedure on my e92 320d m sport, been leaking from the back, would never have thought of that solution. And something i can do myself rather putting it the garage at a horrendous cost! Thanks you so much
I have refurbished the valve covers, new gaskets, grommets, torqued to spec and guess what, they’re leaking again… I will try to do this on my M62TU, hope it works. Thanks for the trick.
Wow i love this - so well explained- Please humor me here: does this newly created pressure around the outer edges address the center gasket as well? I have oil leaking into my spark plugs. Also xan you tell me where to find all these blind nuts? Approx how many are there? How doni identify them? If it helps i have a 09 bmw 328i e90 N51 engine.
I appreciate this video and gave it a go, but had to open the VC to do some other work later, just a warning using the loctite will likely cause the studs to come out vs the nuts coming off when/if you ever need to get in there again. Not the end of the world, but a bit of a pita. Changing the vcg isn't that big of a job tbh, I'd just give it a go. Hopefully only needed every 10 yrs or so, but I know the m62 is notorious for leaking vcg. Still appreciate the video.
Hello Timm, A really helpful batch of videos - a treasure; thanks. I recently got m'self a 2000 Z3, 3.0I in pristine condition; a lucky find of this marque and the engine's not bad either☺. My first BMW and I'm getting to know it's foibles. Oil leaks; yes it has a few and I'm working my way through. First is the valve cover gasket and I'm clued up on 'how to'. Your recommendation for using the washers to help compress the buffers and gaskets is a very informative and useful tip. But my gasket is weeping oil in several places and I propose to replace it. Would you suggest that I use the SS washers to help improve the seal compression, or go with the standard replacement procedure? I ask because I'm a fan of torqing down the fixings (to BMW spec.) to achieve the same pressure all round, but I wonder if using the steel washers with a new gasket set is over egging the pudding? I'd be grateful for your advice, please.
If it is leaking from multiple places then check the PCV valve - the crankcase should normally being run at a vacuum - if the PCV system stops working it will leak like a seive!
Hey Tim. Curious question about the valve covers themselves. I scrapped off all the old paint inside and out of the covers. No sort of repaint. I used your method and installed them with RTV. Will the exposed gray stuff affect the engine?
@@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation I bought new rocker cover gaskets and seals but they are aftermarket - possibly Allmakes (I'll check them later). For the amount of work to change them, maybe it would be better to go and buy genuine. They had been replaced 120,000km ago for the previous owner. I know the mechanics and they wouldn't have used OEM parts.
Just to say thanks. Don't have a real issue but will bear in mind and probably do one fine day. I'm still on the road 260k miles in an 840ci maybe the highest milage and still on the road??
IMPORTANT NOTE: The link to the washers on Amazon is incorrect! This will link you to washers with an internal of 8mm. You need an internal diameter of 10mm. Ask me how I know!
Will see if this will fix my dilemma. My mechanic replaced the gasket twice & still leaks from the rocker cover. He suggests to replace the rocker cover @ $700 & no guarantee it will fix the leak. What reason need a new rocker cover if there are no dents or cracks ?
Timm Can you tell me the part numbers for the blind nut/bolt rubber sealing washers on the rocker covers. Are the bolts rubbers at the front and the blind nut rubbers the same for the M60 engine
@@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation Hi Timm Thanks for the information but I am a little confused. Parts list says all Cap nuts are M6 but the front 3 on each bank of my M60 seem to be M8? They may be studs and not nuts. Can you help me? Why is this? Appreciate your response
I have a historical issue with smoke from rear engine on my e90 bmw, I replaced the rocker cover gasket, but still had issue.. I'm now onto changing it AGAIN I'm noticing the centre gasket near the 2 middle coil packs 1 of the bolts has snapped so not getting secure grip. Could oil be escaping from there? (Although the oil I can see is at the rear of engine..) I'm at a but off a loss as to where this leak is escaping from. I'm hoping to fix this time 😢😢
I have a 2008 BMW E90 318i with leaky valve cover - it was replaced only 2 years ago. I think my car has long bolts, different to yours on the rocker cover. I was thinking of taking it to a different garage for OEM gasket set to be replaced. Any advice? Thanks
Tim I really need some advice desperately. I've got a 2004 645ci. It in the workshop being painted etc. Suddenly the central locking is playing up. The central locking won't unlock the passenger door and the windows won't work. Using the key itself in the driver's door doesn't disable the alarm. We are baffled as to why the central locking and windows have started doin this. Any tips? Thanks. Phil
@@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation funny you should say that because when they have plugged it into a smart charger fo diagnostics and stuff the voltage has varied between 9m and 11. However it does charge. Its not actually been drove properly for a while as it is having a full restoration done on it. Its just been moved in and out of the body shop. If it turns out its not the battery what would you look at next. All of the other electrics work its just central locking and windows. Thanks for your reply too, the auto electrician is baffled so has asked for any knowledge I can give him from you.
@@ukadventurecycling2740 A battery at 9V is dead, extremely dead and not likely ever to live again! 11.9V = zero charge, 9V = sulphating and dying quite quickly - more info here: www.meeknet.co.uk/e31/E31_Battery_drain_measurement_and_diagnostics.htm
hello Timm! please can you advise on which E31 to buy? Should i go for the v12 or v8 from an all-round reliability point? Taking in to consideration the whole engine bay.... not just pistons and plugs...
90% of the things that go wrong are exactly the same for the V12 and V8 - engine (and gearboxes) account for just 10% Probably the best version is the M73 V12, but there are very few of those around (none in the UK)
just found your channel now that i bought my own e39 with an m62 in it. fantastic car, and fantastic videos you make!
Thanks! Don't listen to the detractors, the M62 is a great engine, and really suits the E39
Genius, simple is always best
Thanks!
Brilliant - thanks Timm, my so called specialist had me changing these once a year as a routine and saying there was nothing I could do about it - will try this trick asap!
Thanks and good luck!
Beautiful articulation . . . Smooth sense of humor, thank you so much, and keep it up Timm 😄😄👌👌👌
Thank you! Will do!
About to try this!!! Was just about to replace gaskets on my f10
Hi Timm this is Alvin your number one fan. Wow this is a great video. 👍🏾
Be safe my friend. Blessings
ALVIN! You're back, hooray!
Interesting! Yes I've been told that I need oil valves replaced for leaking possibly the heads. I found this informative. I don't work on cars. It's dripping all the way down as the techs put it. And it's been doing it a while. With extreme cold, it really became noticeable. A while back, a mechanic told me it was fine and nothing wrong.
Loctite is a life saver. Even the parts that difficult to reach. I hate leaks on cars but every part has a lifetime. After 20 years most of car look a jar. 6 series look as brand new still .
Thanks!
I’ve just replaced these gaskets on the M62 in my 840Ci Sport.
I thought I was as careful as I could be, given that as you know, in the E31 the back-end of the engine is tucked in right against the bulkhead and you can’t see it. I thought I was successful…..but guess what? I’ve noticed oil on the garage floor! 😢
I can’t actually see or even feel where it’s coming. So, I’m going to give your tip a go and see what happens. I don’t relish the prospect of having to pull everything apart again…..bad back!
Thanks for the tip!
My pleasure, I did the same job on my first M60 V8 and decided not to do it again!
When I replaced gaskets and timing cover gaskets, the rubber bushings broke as soon as I turned the nut. also my valve cover gaskets had turned into hard plastic. great tip but I'm glad I did the whole job with fresh rubber and gaskets. had to replace valve stem seals anyway, so everything got refreshed. at 100k I'm expecting it to last for the rest of my ownership
Thanks for sharing, and yes, should last for years now!
This is genius. Thanks!
You're welcome!
Great video! - Thanks
I need to do that procedure on my e92 320d m sport, been leaking from the back, would never have thought of that solution. And something i can do myself rather putting it the garage at a horrendous cost! Thanks you so much
Hope it helps, that's the plan for this channel and meeknet, easy jobs that have a low chance of breaking anything!
Awesome ! Thank you, saved me hours of pain
Glad it helped Mark, good man!
Saw you driving by the eco station yesterday or the day before, heading towards Lindford, in the lovely 57plate 650i!
Yes, nice drive on Saturday, Bordon, Linford, Headley, Grayshott, Hindhead and then Liphook for fish and chips - a nice gentle drive for a change!
I have refurbished the valve covers, new gaskets, grommets, torqued to spec and guess what, they’re leaking again…
I will try to do this on my M62TU, hope it works.
Thanks for the trick.
Good luck!
I use an aviation sealant on all the surfaces, they will leak if you install them dry.
@@3UZFE on the bare metal surface where the gasket meets up?
@@anthonyk Small amount on the rubber gaskets themselves, takes a while to apply though but works.
Glorious stuff. I'm in for more. Thanks.
More to come!
Brilliantly simple ! Can I use the same technique for a N62 engine? Thanks.
Fraid not, different fixings on the N62
Top vlog again. Brilliant, and thanks for sharing your expertise.
My pleasure!
Thank you Tim, another fantastic informative video :)
My pleasure as always!
Excellent video and a fix that won't break the bank. Thanks Timm.
Thanks!
Wow i love this - so well explained-
Please humor me here: does this newly created pressure around the outer edges address the center gasket as well? I have oil leaking into my spark plugs.
Also xan you tell me where to find all these blind nuts? Approx how many are there? How doni identify them?
If it helps i have a 09 bmw 328i e90 N51 engine.
Great wee video, thanks for that.
Thanks!
Hmm, I'd better have a look at these on my Range Rover's M62 engine. And here I thought BMW built a special leaky version for Land Rover. :)
I'm sure they do!
I appreciate this video and gave it a go, but had to open the VC to do some other work later, just a warning using the loctite will likely cause the studs to come out vs the nuts coming off when/if you ever need to get in there again. Not the end of the world, but a bit of a pita. Changing the vcg isn't that big of a job tbh, I'd just give it a go. Hopefully only needed every 10 yrs or so, but I know the m62 is notorious for leaking vcg. Still appreciate the video.
As long as you use Loctite 222 the studs will stay in the head
Hello Timm,
A really helpful batch of videos - a treasure; thanks. I recently got m'self a 2000 Z3, 3.0I in pristine condition; a lucky find of this marque and the engine's not bad either☺. My first BMW and I'm getting to know it's foibles. Oil leaks; yes it has a few and I'm working my way through. First is the valve cover gasket and I'm clued up on 'how to'. Your recommendation for using the washers to help compress the buffers and gaskets is a very informative and useful tip. But my gasket is weeping oil in several places and I propose to replace it. Would you suggest that I use the SS washers to help improve the seal compression, or go with the standard replacement procedure? I ask because I'm a fan of torqing down the fixings (to BMW spec.) to achieve the same pressure all round, but I wonder if using the steel washers with a new gasket set is over egging the pudding? I'd be grateful for your advice, please.
If it is leaking from multiple places then check the PCV valve - the crankcase should normally being run at a vacuum - if the PCV system stops working it will leak like a seive!
Hey Tim. Curious question about the valve covers themselves. I scrapped off all the old paint inside and out of the covers. No sort of repaint. I used your method and installed them with RTV. Will the exposed gray stuff affect the engine?
Great Work! In my case, the rubber pads cracked after a year and leaks appeared at the bottom of the covers. I recommend using only OE or Elring
Yes, I think that is what causes many problems when non-OEM parts are used - especially the rubber compression parts!
@@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation I bought new rocker cover gaskets and seals but they are aftermarket - possibly Allmakes (I'll check them later). For the amount of work to change them, maybe it would be better to go and buy genuine. They had been replaced 120,000km ago for the previous owner. I know the mechanics and they wouldn't have used OEM parts.
Found that snapped off nut in my driveway one day. :)
You need that Loctite 222 my friend!
@@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation 🙂
Will this work on a 2011 328i? Thanks for the video, very enjoyable.
No, different fixings!
Can i do this with my F10 engine?
nice work! I wonder if you could modify the nuts as well , shorten them.
No need, the washer does the trick!
Hi, I have a 2009 116i N43 engine would this quick fix work on that?
No, different fixings
Just to say thanks. Don't have a real issue but will bear in mind and probably do one fine day. I'm still on the road 260k miles in an 840ci maybe the highest milage and still on the road??
My pleasure Duncan!
IMPORTANT NOTE: The link to the washers on Amazon is incorrect! This will link you to washers with an internal of 8mm. You need an internal diameter of 10mm. Ask me how I know!
Sorry, I'll update the link!
I replaced all my gaskets and never had this issue. Maybe this washer trick is necessary when the gaskets need to be replaced again?
This trick is only for extremely lazy people like me!
@@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation But you got to the trouble to make these wonderful videos! haha
Will see if this will fix my dilemma. My mechanic replaced the gasket twice & still leaks from the rocker cover. He suggests to replace the rocker cover @ $700 & no guarantee it will fix the leak. What reason need a new rocker cover if there are no dents or cracks ?
Replace the PCV valve: www.meeknet.co.uk/E32/PCV/Index.htm it sounds as if your crankcase is at pressure whereas it should be at a vacuum
Timm Can you tell me the part numbers for the blind nut/bolt rubber sealing washers on the rocker covers. Are the bolts rubbers at the front and the blind nut rubbers the same for the M60 engine
No problem, same on M60 and M62: www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showparts?id=EF83-USA-05_1995_E31_BMW_840Ci&diagId=11_4831#11121437395
@@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation Hi Timm Thanks for the information but I am a little confused. Parts list says all Cap nuts are M6 but the front 3 on each bank of my M60 seem to be M8? They may be studs and not nuts. Can you help me? Why is this? Appreciate your response
@@alanh2050 They are all M6: www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showparts?id=EF63-USA-06-1995-E31-BMW-840i&diagId=11_4831
Works, but not 10 min n62. Thanks
Yes, it does work well - yes, probably a bit longer to do them all!
I have a historical issue with smoke from rear engine on my e90 bmw, I replaced the rocker cover gasket, but still had issue.. I'm now onto changing it AGAIN I'm noticing the centre gasket near the 2 middle coil packs 1 of the bolts has snapped so not getting secure grip. Could oil be escaping from there? (Although the oil I can see is at the rear of engine..) I'm at a but off a loss as to where this leak is escaping from. I'm hoping to fix this time 😢😢
Yes it could, the fixing method is blind nuts on compressed rubber - it is important to replace them as well as the lower seal
hey, a mechanic changed my valve cover gasket (m62) and i still get oil in the spark plugs wells, do you have an easy fix for that?
It all depends on if the mechanic changed the rubber-compression fixings (the ones I put the washer under) if not it will keep leaking!
I have a 2008 BMW E90 318i with leaky valve cover - it was replaced only 2 years ago. I think my car has long bolts, different to yours on the rocker cover. I was thinking of taking it to a different garage for OEM gasket set to be replaced. Any advice? Thanks
Yes, completely different sealing method. Check that yu have a vacuum in the crankcase - the lack of it is often a cause for valve-cover leaks
Hay timm that's your E31 would this work with your E64 650ci
Afraid not Alex, they are quite different
Hi can i clean the oil stains off with brake cleaner thanks where its been leaking
I just use microfiber cloths and dish-soap - don't use brake cleaner it will remove lubrication from anything it gets on!
@@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation ok thanks
Do you recommend doing this with new gaskets also or only old ones?
If you are replacing the gaskets make sure you get the compression pieces from BMW - it is these that fail if you use non OEM
Tim I really need some advice desperately. I've got a 2004 645ci. It in the workshop being painted etc. Suddenly the central locking is playing up. The central locking won't unlock the passenger door and the windows won't work. Using the key itself in the driver's door doesn't disable the alarm. We are baffled as to why the central locking and windows have started doin this. Any tips? Thanks. Phil
That sounds like a low battery voltage situation - have you measured the voltage or tried charging it?
@@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation funny you should say that because when they have plugged it into a smart charger fo diagnostics and stuff the voltage has varied between 9m and 11. However it does charge. Its not actually been drove properly for a while as it is having a full restoration done on it. Its just been moved in and out of the body shop. If it turns out its not the battery what would you look at next. All of the other electrics work its just central locking and windows. Thanks for your reply too, the auto electrician is baffled so has asked for any knowledge I can give him from you.
@@ukadventurecycling2740 A battery at 9V is dead, extremely dead and not likely ever to live again! 11.9V = zero charge, 9V = sulphating and dying quite quickly - more info here: www.meeknet.co.uk/e31/E31_Battery_drain_measurement_and_diagnostics.htm
hello Timm! please can you advise on which E31 to buy? Should i go for the v12 or v8 from an all-round reliability point? Taking in to consideration the whole engine bay.... not just pistons and plugs...
90% of the things that go wrong are exactly the same for the V12 and V8 - engine (and gearboxes) account for just 10% Probably the best version is the M73 V12, but there are very few of those around (none in the UK)
Be careful Its Broke Very Quickly
Yes, tiny socket set is the best!
How about replacing the valve cover gaskets instead? They're just consumables, not expensive either...this looks like lazy partial fix...
This channel isn't about what I'd do - or what you would do, it's for people without mechanical skills to just keep cars running.