Blue smoke on extended idle. 2006 4.8is.

[A B Able Truck]

Originally Posted by Doru

This is a very sensible observation. If we can change the corrugated hoses with smooth hoses that won't collapse if vacuum is induced, the oil will not stay trapped in there. Maybe in very cold environment, the hoses don't warm enough, and there is more and more oil trapped in there (getting thick with cold), until it discharges at once?
You made the observation that the transparent hoses do collapse slightly. Maybe some PVC hoses attached to the OEM nipples?

Eventually I'll switch to a permanent smooth hose assembly if need be. The hoses appear to hold up well and it's nice to see what's going on in there. I'm also experimenting with different configurations. I don't think I posted this photo here, but this is the hose assembly with a makeshift catch can (U shaped tube - right to left at T-fittings) to measure oil caught while driving.

[Doru]

I like your "catch can". It also seems you have the updated valve cover? If so, what's the benefit over the old one (if you happen to know how the old one is)? I have the old config with both valves on each cover.
Also, if you have the updated cover, does only 1 have a valve (driver side)?
I am not sure if I want to change to the updated design & winter setup. The cost is quite high even for only 1 cover. Plus the hoses.

[A B Able Truck]

Originally Posted by Doru

I like your "catch can". It also seems you have the updated valve cover? If so, what's the benefit over the old one (if you happen to know how the old one is)? I have the old config with both valves on each cover.
Also, if you have the updated cover, does only 1 have a valve (driver side)?
I am not sure if I want to change to the updated design & winter setup. The cost is quite high even for only 1 cover. Plus the hoses.

It's not updated - I have 1 CCV valve per valve cover (2 total)

[Doru]

I stumbled on this vid which tackles the "low oil pressure" light. Apparently there is a bulletin on the oil return check valves. In the vid they describe how the valve end is made out of plastic, and they said that these return valves fail either by sticking close or by loosing the plastic valve cap (crumbles) - that's when the low oil pressure is triggered. Wondered if these valve caps start sticking, will they trigger high oil consumption and/or the blue smoke? if yes, that would be an easy fix (somehow).
Could anyone elaborate on this?

N62 BMW V8 Oil pressure light coming on 745Li 750Li 545i 550i - YouTube

The p/n is: 11367539857 , ECS Tuning has it for 19.69/piece this is the pic from their site:

[JCL]

Originally Posted by Doru

Could anyone elaborate on this?

Sure. The oil return check valve is in the oil circuit, with no connection to the intake manifold and/or combustion chamber. When the check valve fails, the oil leaks down into the oil sump on shutdown. It doesn't go into the intake tract.

[Doru]

Originally Posted by JCL

Sure. The oil return check valve is in the oil circuit, with no connection to the intake manifold and/or combustion chamber. When the check valve fails, the oil leaks down into the oil sump on shutdown. It doesn't go into the intake tract.

Thx JCL. Makes sense.