Valve Cover Gasket Frustration
 

Hi Guys. I have another leak in my valve cover gasket that I changed no too long ago. As the other ones, it failed/leaked at the spark plug wells. The manual doesn't call for any gasket maker anywhere except the parting lines at timing chain cover to head. Anyone use it on the spark plug well gaskets? Any negative outcomes? Getting ready to change this one and contemplating using RTV on the well gaskets.

What brand gaskets are you using?

Any chance a piece of old, hardened gasket is still stuck on one of the center posts?

They commonly break off the old center gasket, people then put new gaskets on the post, and they leak.

Last one was an Elring. I ordered genuine BMW this time. We'll see how it holds up.

I don't think so, but I'll be sure to look.

You need to change the grommets as well with the same good quality rubber as the valve cover gaskets. The grommet is what controls the sealing pressure on the gasket.
OE gaskets and grommets with a tiny bit of sealant on the cam circle corners and the parting line between the head and timing chain cover and you should be golden! ;)

Changed them the last time I changed the valve cover gasket. New washers too.

Maybe check for cracks in the cover

I've read somewhere that these valve covers studs are known to back out a little when removing the cover and consequently don't bolt back down correctly, leading to leaks? Possible? :dunno:

Which engine do you have? If you have the 4.4i or 4.6is M62, the value covers themselves should also be replaced as they corrode. I chased valve cover leaks three times and then decided to swap out the actual valve covers, now zero leaks for 40k miles.