Valve cover gasket still leaking after replacement
 

I can't see oil on the ground, but there is some film on the exhaust manifold heat shields. When I come to a stop after the car has warmed up I can smell burning oil, and sometimes I can even see a little oil smoke coming out if the engine bay.

I did the oil separator (CCV) about a year ago and then did the valve cover gasket a few weeks ago. Still, the issue persists. I did some searching on this forum and found one person who had a warped valve cover. Is this a common problem? Is there anything else I should try? I don't have sludging issues and have verified that. I would like to get to the bottom of this. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

I had the same problem. What helped with mine is I rechecked the torque on all the bolts/nuts and found that it needed a slight more snugging after some time and heat. The gasket will bed in sometimes not perfect notably on the exhaust manifold side which gets extra heat etc. My Dad who is a former race engine builder suggested I use a good quality rtv silicone and apply a thin bead to the inside of the gasket seat on the valve cover and then place gasket. I will try that on my wife's x3 I'm doing this week. Just a thought.

could be coming from the washers inside the valve cover. I replaced my valve cover when I did my VANOS. All new gaskets and new grommets for the interior bolts. Recently discovered the interiors were leaking. Could get them to tight down any more becasue of the way they're designed. Pulled them off yesterday and applied a bead of rtv to each one and reinstalled. I'll check them next weekend and see if it worked.

Try to get the neoprene (expensive) valve cover gasket AND matching grommets. There is no torqueing or re-tightening because the grommet sleeves get bottomed out and the grommets determine the clamping force on the gasket. Be very carefull to tighten evenly though.

False alarm fellas... I had some extra time and convinced myself to just pull it off. I found the back corner over the exhaust had fallen out and folded over when I put it back on and I just couldn't see it without removing. Sorry ��

:spank:

Don't be surprised if you have to replace your valve cover due to cracking after 300,000 miles though. It can cure a rough idle like mine was suffering at 317,000 miles.

2002 X5 3.0 339,700 miles
2014 428i 36, miles

2004 325i sold at 123,600 miles
2001 325i sold at 66,000 miles

1970 Firebird Under restoration

you are at 317k in mileage?
wow.

No, that's when the valve cover was replaced. I'm currently at 343,966 miles :thumbup:

How did you discover the crack?