2004 X5 4.4 OIL LEAK VERY LITTLE

[cjsit960]

Yes it is. much less-

Just trying to get and much info as i can for this.

Greatly appreciated

[romeokc10]

Originally Posted by Skyline

No...the valve covers are not easy to take off. There are some great tutorials online here that will show you how to do it. But basically, the coil packs must come out, and their harnesses pulled back. Injectors must be unplugged and the fuel rail moved out of the way. There a whole bunch of other items on top of the engine, (vacuum line, etc.,) that must be removed. Driver side access is VERY tight, and removing a few heater hoses is very helpful. Intake must come out. Cabin filter box must come out.

You need to not only replace the valve cover gaskets...but all the rubber rings around all the bolts and nuts. A torque wrench, (preferably 1/4" drive) is essential, as well as a good sized telescopic inspection mirror, (to make sure the back of the gasket that you can not see is seated properly). For someone who has never done this, and is pretty mechanically handy, expect it to take about a whole day, with the online tutorials at hand. I've heard of indy mechanics charging over $1k for this, and dealer much more. If you are not used to working on your cars, this is probably not a good first job...but check out the tutorials and see if it looks manageable.

To determine if they are leaking, run your hand all the way around, especially in the back.

I just replaced the valve cover gaskets on my 2002 4.6is back in November, I did not...repeat, did not remove the coil packs, fuel rails or unplug the injectors, it can be done. The passenger side is so easy it's ridiculous, the drivers was a lot tougher, the main thing is to remove the three heaters hoses that are connected at the firewall. I've been meaning to post pics and do a write-up, just been too busy. You mentioned the intake, don't know if you're talking about the intake manifold, but even the harder write-ups I read through did not have you removing the intake manifold.

[Bulk]

Originally Posted by romeokc10

I just replaced the valve cover gaskets on my 2002 4.6is back in November, I did not...repeat, did not remove the coil packs, fuel rails or unplug the injectors, it can be done. The passenger side is so easy it's ridiculous, the drivers was a lot tougher, the main thing is to remove the three heaters hoses that are connected at the firewall. I've been meaning to post pics and do a write-up, just been too busy. You mentioned the intake, don't know if you're talking about the intake manifold, but even the harder write-ups I read through did not have you removing the intake manifold.

That's just lovely, however we are talking about an N62 engine and that does need to have the coil packs removed. However the fuel rail does not need to be removed but make sure you don't force the cam covers, you can easily break off the eccentric shaft sensor and destroy its mounts (Which personally I have to remove prior to pulling the cam cover forward out of the engine bay as there is just not enough clearance). These bad boys are expensive to replace..... If you need to remove these in order to get the cam covers out, there are three screws which face the back of the car so you need to get a star bit around the back.

[Skyline]

Originally Posted by romeokc10

I just replaced the valve cover gaskets on my 2002 4.6is back in November, I did not...repeat, did not remove the coil packs, fuel rails or unplug the injectors, it can be done. The passenger side is so easy it's ridiculous, the drivers was a lot tougher, the main thing is to remove the three heaters hoses that are connected at the firewall. I've been meaning to post pics and do a write-up, just been too busy. You mentioned the intake, don't know if you're talking about the intake manifold, but even the harder write-ups I read through did not have you removing the intake manifold.

I was only referring to the airbox and intake tube. It's in the way. I'd love to know how you got the valve covers off without removing the coilpacks...they are directly over the bolts. While I believe you that this IS possible, I don't think this is a good way to do things. It's often much less time consuming to remove parts that are in the way than to work around them. Considering the coil packs take about a minute per bank to remove...and disconecting the injectors, (leaving them attached to the rail), is equally quick.

In addition, I would recommend making sure the gasket surfaces are 100% perfect before re-install. On mine, I bead blasted both covers, and repainted. But at the very least, I would want to make sure any remnants of sealant or pieces of old gasket are gone. This is MUCH easier to do while the cover is upside down on your workbench; as opposed to still attached to the ignition. This is not a job I want to repeat anytime soon. Again...mine is an M62, so that's what my experience is based on.