Oil Leak from valve cover bolts

[jst2878]

I have spotted oil leaks from every bolt that holds on each valve cover. What is the problem? worn gaskets?

[mrbmwx5]

i had same problem. it turn out to be the valve cover is cracked right where the bolt and have to replaced it

[jst2878]

every bolt hole I guess will be cracked when I take the covers off. that sucks.

[jst2878]

is there anything I should replace when I take off the valve covers?

[primetime]

Most likely your oil seperator is going bad or about to go bad. Mine did the same exact thing and then my valve cover gasket finally blew. You need a new valve cover gasket, and then you need to have your oil seperator checked out and probably replaced. The valve cover gasket is just a symptom..Its not the actual problem. But you definitely need a new valve cover gasket or it will blow..=bad...

[AudiBMWSX45]

Can't you just replace the rubber seals around the bolts? I don't agree that the valvecover gasket is necessarily bad...

[primetime]

You can do whatever suits you.. But as I stated, its just a symptom..its not the problem..Meaning it will eventually blow if you dont get it replaced. And it will blow sooner then later, then you're blowing smoke out of your tail pipes and under your hood because you're spraying oil all over your engine bay while you drive, and after that you could experience hydrolock, and that is way way worse then a bad valve cover gasket or oil seperator...

The problem is the oil seperator which will also needs to be replaced.

If anything, get the valve cover gasket replaced, its $500 at the dealer, probably around $300 at an independent shop...

Trust me, I'm dealing with the same exact issue right now. I've already had the valve cover gasket replaced. Getting the oil seperator replaced on Friday. You don't want what happened to me to happen to you..I was stranded on a highway in 8 degree weather when mine blew...Not fun, and i could've done much more serious damage to my car had I driven 5 more minutes...

[jst2878]

Where is the oil seperator located? any helpful diagrams... I just purchased the bentley repair manual and will be fixing myself. Can't be any harder than a water pump replacement. I also noticed my coolant is constantly running low...whats that about....just changed the radiator and one hose and still have a leak somewhere.

[primetime]

The seperator is hard to get to from what i understand but you can get to it...I'll find a link for you about this issue a fellow member has done it himself..

[primetime]

The member's name is lojack..PM him.

http://www.xoutpost.com/x5-e53-forum/...=smoking+badly