DIY valve cover gasket for 2001 3.0i

[kennyhoang]

Hi all,
Can someone show me how to check if there is a leak on valve cover gasket for 2001 3.0i, also how to replace the valve cover gasket.

Thanks, in advance

[CharlieHustleX5]

To check the valve cover gasket : Remove each spark plug and check for oil residue around the threads of the plug or tip of the electrode. Use a towel and wipe around the perimeter of the valve cover. You'll be looking for any significant traces of oil or black dirt.

To replace the valve cover gasket : Taken from Beisan Systems, LLC website.

Removal of valve cover

Remove engine top covers.
Pry off 2 center caps at each engine cover (flathead).
Unscrew 2 bolts at right cover, and 2 nuts at left cover (10mm socket 3/8” / 3/8” ratchet & extension, magnet pickup).
Remove right engine cover.
Unscrew oil fill cap, remove left engine cover, reinstall oil fill cap.

Remove valve cover vent hose at cover front right corner.
Press in hose connector ring clip at top and bottom and wiggle off connector.
Warning: Do not pull connector off. This can cause sudden release and break hose. Wiggle connector off.


Old design coil / coil harness removal

Remove ignition coils electrical harness.
For each coil, pull up on coil connector metal lock and pull off cable electrical connector.
Remove coil harness ground wire from valve cover bolt/stud located between coils 2 & 3 (8mm socket 1/4” / 1/4” ratchet & extension, magnet pickup). Loosen cylinder 3 coil mounting bolts as needed to move coil to side to facilitate tool access.


[picture]
Disconnect coil harness rail from valve cover clips.
Pry on each right side clip and pull out coil harness rail (flathead).
Pull off complete coil harness. E46: Set coil harness on intake manifold. E39: Set coil harness on strut tower.

Remove coils.
Unscrew 2 mounting bolts w/ washers at each coil (10mm socket 3/8” / 3/8” ratchet & extension). Note coil ground straps at coil 1 & 6.
Pull up and out all coils.
Note: Maintain coil/cylinder association for reinstallation. This is not necessary, but is good practice.

Remove coil ground straps at Cylinders 1 & 6 (8mm socket 1/4” / 1/4” ratchet & extension).


New design coil / coil harness removal

Remove ignition coils electrical harness.
For each coil, pull up and back on coil connector pivot lock until coil electric connector is thrust out and disconnected.
Remove coil harness ground wire from valve cover bolt/stud located between coils 2 & 3 (8mm socket 1/4” / 1/4” ratchet & extension, magnet pickup).

Disconnect coil harness rail from valve cover clips.
Pry on each right side clip and pull out coil harness rail (flathead).
Pull off complete coil harness. E46: Set on intake manifold. E39: Set on strut tower.

Remove coils. Pull up and out all coils.
Note: Maintain coil/cylinder association for reinstallation. This is not necessary, but is good practice.

Remove pre-cat O2 sensor electrical connectors and cables, and secondary air valve vacuum hose, from exhaust side valve cover brackets and metal clip. Lift up on metal clip tab to allow cables to exit.
Remove electric boot and cables from valve cover rear left bracket and rear brackets.
Note: If silver metal cover present at rear left bracket, lift up on cover tab to allow removing electric boot and cables without removing cover.

Remove 11 valve cover mounting bolts w/ washers & grommets at perimeter of valve cover (10mm socket 3/8” / 3/8” ratchet & extension, flathead).
Note: Be sure to not miss the rear left corner bolt.

Remove 4 valve cover mounting bolts/studs w/ washers & grommets at center of valve cover (10mm socket 3/8” / 3/8” ratchet & extension, flathead).

Note: On older models (99), third bolt/stud from front is same as the perimeter bolts. This is due to no ground connection at this location. Note this for reinstallation.

Remove valve cover from engine head.
Insert blade (putty-knife) between valve cover gasket and engine head at all front end accessible locations to break gasket bond. Be sure to break RTV sealant bond at sides of front half moon dips and vanos/head matting points on each front side.
Pull up and remove valve cover. If resistant, insert blade (putty-knife) between valve cover gasket and engine head at sticking locations.
Note: If valve cover can not be removed, double check valve cover 11 perimeter bolts and 4 center bolts/studs have been removed. If valve cover is stuck, pull up on free front end of cover and right side vent pipe neck to break gasket bond on remainder of valve cover.

Pull up rear left cover cables to allow cover removal clearance.
Maintain valve cover perimeter gasket with cover.
Valve cover perimeter gasket will stick at rear half moon dips due to RTV sealant. Pull up on gasket to release.

Remove valve cover sparkplug well gaskets from engine head.

Note: If gasket is stuck to engine head, attempt inserting blade between gasket and head from an edge (putty-knife). This facilitates gasket removal without breaking plasticized brittle gaskets into pieces.

[CharlieHustleX5]

Here's another one to use for reference....

Doug's Domain :: BMW Valve Cover Gasket DIY

[SLX5]

If there is a leak, you will see the oil or U will smell the oil

[lo_jack]

When the motor is warm but not hot, put a disposable glove on and run your fingers around the bottom of the valve cover where it meets the block, especially back behind there by the firewall. If oil is on your fingers when you pull your hand back out, it is probably leaking. You should be able to see a leak over the exhaust manifolds, as there is a little heat shield over them that oil collects on if your gasket is leaking to that side.

[Werewolf]

Chances are if you have a leak, you will smell the burning oil...

[kennyhoang]

CharlieHustleX5
Thanks, for the post, you did excellent job.

[CharlieHustleX5]

Anytime....