N62 4.8 Oil Thermostat Gasket Leak (2007 X5)

[lordshin808]

I'm in the middle of this job right now and FUCK!!! I just want to give up. Can't get any leverage on the E10 bolts at all. First I tried from going in blind from up top and then from the wheel well. I can see the oil cooler and bolts, but can't fucking break it free. I tried using about 4 extensions almost 18 inches long too. I'm scared I will round off on the bolts. This have got to be one of the worse jobs i've done. I've done valve covers, uppper timing covers, valley pan, transfer pipe, etc... I never had this level of frustration until now.

[rbryantaz]

Originally Posted by lordshin808

I'm in the middle of this job right now and FUCK!!! I just want to give up. Can't get any leverage on the E10 bolts at all. First I tried from going in blind from up top and then from the wheel well. I can see the oil cooler and bolts, but can't fucking break it free. I tried using about 4 extensions almost 18 inches long too. I'm scared I will round off on the bolts. This have got to be one of the worse jobs i've done. I've done valve covers, uppper timing covers, valley pan, transfer pipe, etc... I never had this level of frustration until now.

I just reached down from the top. I am sure I sacrificed some skin but no auto repair job goes well until you give a little blood to the car gods.

IIRC I just used an e-torx on a regular 3/8 ratchet directly. I did it by feel but e-torx is good for that and doesn't strip out as easily as a hex head as long as you get the right size on it...

After I removed the belts and alternator it wasn't that bad. I am not a huge guy with big forearms though.

I don't think i did any of the work from the bottom but it has been a while now.

Make sure you get the viton version of the gasket so you don't need to do it again. It is better than the OE gasket!

-Rich

[lordshin808]

Originally Posted by rbryantaz

I just reached down from the top. I am sure I sacrificed some skin but no auto repair job goes well until you give a little blood to the car gods.

IIRC I just used an e-torx on a regular 3/8 ratchet directly. I did it by feel but e-torx is good for that and doesn't strip out as easily as a hex head as long as you get the right size on it...

After I removed the belts and alternator it wasn't that bad. I am not a huge guy with big forearms though.

I don't think i did any of the work from the bottom but it has been a while now.

Make sure you get the viton version of the gasket so you don't need to do it again. It is better than the OE gasket!

-Rich

I think whoever replaced the gasket the last time kinda mangled the head a bit, because I can't seem to push that e-torx all the way in, it's just kinda grabbing the tips.

It's not leaking right now, but since I had to replace the alternator, I thought i would go ahead and replace the gasket while I'm at it. Didn't think I would have this much trouble.

I don't have time to mess with it anymore so I gave up on the gasket replacement and just put everything back for now.

I'm sure I will have to tackle this job again in the future.

[rbryantaz]

Originally Posted by lordshin808

I think whoever replaced the gasket the last time kinda mangled the head a bit, because I can't seem to push that e-torx all the way in, it's just kinda grabbing the tips.

It's not leaking right now, but since I had to replace the alternator, I thought i would go ahead and replace the gasket while I'm at it. Didn't think I would have this much trouble.

I don't have time to mess with it anymore so I gave up on the gasket replacement and just put everything back for now.

I'm sure I will have to tackle this job again in the future.

One downside of etorx is that many people don't have the right tools and mess them up...

The next size up etorx will often work on the bolt but will mangle it. Some also use spline or even a 5/16 socket on them which can work but isn't right.

Normally I would hammer the right size socket on them to straighten it out and then replace the bolt. That isn't a great option given the clearances of the oil filter housing.

You could try a spline socket if all else fails.

-Rich