Valve Cover Gasket Problem

Wapiennik · 07:04 PM

Hey Guys,

1996 E36 328i M52 5-speed

I replaced my valve cover gasket and spark plug hole gaskets a couple weeks ago. Below is not a picture of my engine, it's from Doug's DIY, but the spot is the same I'll be referring to.

After replacing it the first time I did a finger sweep to see if it was leaking oil after about 100 miles of driving. Everything was very dry. However, in the spot I circled I got residual oil on my fingers. From what I can tell, it never leaks to where it drips, it just saturates in that spot.

So I replaced my valve cover gasket again and I'm getting oil in the same area. Same symptom too. It doesn't leak, it just pools and sits there. I guess since it doesn't drip, it's not a bad thing, but from my understanding it shouldn't even be seeping out like this.

For both installations I used brand new rubber grommets, placed sealant in proper spots and torqued everything to 10 ft lbs. I used the Victor Reinz seals both times.

Is this normal, or am I just not getting something?

Manolito · 03-28-2010, 08:08 PM

I've not located the spot, but one of my '97s seems to still have a leak after two new valve cover gaskets as well. Better since I switched from Mobile 1 back to conventional oil (or at least, I don't smell it as much), but still leaking.

If I had a lot of sludge, I would suspect a plugged drain hole, but my engine is nearly as clean as the one in this picture.

Wapiennik · 03-29-2010, 11:28 AM

Well I resolved the issue, but I'm not sure what specifically I did that might have nailed it.

First, I used more sealant in the four leak prone areas. Second, I applied sealant in the valve cover canal where the valve cover gasket actually goes into. Third, I tightened down the gasket cover from the center ones first where the spark plugs go. Finally, I let the car sit for 24 hours before starting it to ensure the sealant was completely sealed.

I think more than anything it was the amount of sealant I used the first two times. I kept reading articles saying not to put too much on, so I put a thin layer on both times. Hundred miles so far and no leaks so I'm content for now.