Slow oil leak, looks like main seal

[ProfessorX5]

Looks like those guys didn't clean up when they did the vcg, so going to clean the enine then see if there really is a leak. Oil lvl hasn't changed.

I found the coolant leak. Pinhole in the tank, and of course it wouldn't leak at the dealer. Dealer said in either case he'll fix if it shows up again, but I'll prob just put a new tank in and change the hoses.

[mferek]

Originally Posted by Ricky Bobby

have him look at this area (from E46fanatics), if that circled area is wet with oil, its your OFHG (you have to take the airbox out to check this). did your mechanic change the 15 grommet seals for the bolts on the valve cover? If he reused them, they could be leaking as well, I'd change them:

what's an OFHG?

[X5SND]

Oil Filter Housing Gasket

[ProfessorX5]

Oil Filter Housing Gasket. It's under the oil filter housing, and is one of the more common oil leaks on the Xs, from what I've been reading on this forum.

[upallnight]

Originally Posted by Ricky Bobby

have him look at this area (from E46fanatics), if that circled area is wet with oil, its your OFHG (you have to take the airbox out to check this). did your mechanic change the 15 grommet seals for the bolts on the valve cover? If he reused them, they could be leaking as well, I'd change them:

You have to take more than the airbox off according to that picture. You have to remove the alternator and if you gone this far, you might as well remove the oil filter housing (6 bolts) and replace the 6 bucks gasket.

[Ricky Bobby]

Oh I know you have to move the PS reservoir and alternator to actually do the replacement, I just wanted to show him the picture to reference where he can look, to see if the oil is pooling up in that area that he would know the gasket needs replacing, before actually going and doing it.

[X5SND]

With it removed:



If you're methodical about your work, and take your time the job is nothing to be afraid of.

[Ricky Bobby]

Looks like you were doing a 2-fer that day S, thermostat as well?

[X5SND]

Back in the summer, did the pump, VCG, Vanos, hoses, intake boots and a bunch of other odds and ends. Took a few days to get everything all cleaned up, but now when ya pop the hood or put it up on the hoist there ain't a drop of any fluid out of place. OCD! Lol

[RFaber]

once all this is done, and there is no more oil hemorrhaging from the engine, what is the preferred way to clean the sponge like quilted lining on the skid plates??? a bottle of dawn dish soap and a scrub brush?? or is there an easier way!?? (also OCD, actually I have CDO, its like OCD but the letters are arranged in alphabetical order, like they should be!)