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The service manual calls for a gasket sealant, but it does not specify where to put the sealant. We have the replacement cover and there is a gasket already in it. It appears the gasket goes all the way around the cover.
Anyone done this and can advise us on where the sealant actually goes?
Thanks! That's the manual I use. it seems the requirement to to run a bead around the entire gasket (all contact surfaces) which seems odd given there is a rubber gasket around the entire cover.
The other odd thing is that I cannot see any leak anywhere around the base of the cover! The tech comment is: Valve cover leaking from blow off valve. I don't see any leak anywhere... and am wondering where the blow off valve is?
Well that is a bit oddly worded, since the blow off valve usually refers to.... well a blow off valve or diverter valve, which is mounted on the turbo in our cars. It may be the PCV or CCV valve? That is in the valve cover. In he left rear corner, is there oil seep on top around that area? That’s the most likely reason they said you need to replace the valve cover, otherwise it would probably just need a new gasket, I would think. The diaphragm in the PCV tears. I just did a replacement of the diaphragm.
As for the gasket sealer, I have heard this, I think you need a dab in each corner, but somebody should be able to give you a firm answer here soon
Agree on the wording. There is no oil seepage whatsoever around the base on the valve cover. There is oil seepage on the CCV/PCV tube. I am guessing this is what they are referring to. However, I am not sure why the cover would need to be replaced?? I could see a gasket (it's just rubber) or, as you mentioned, the diaphragm. I will take pictures in a bit and post them. I would rather not spend the money on the cover as it is several hundred dollars!
The y most certainly are not cheap. Check my thread, “PCV Repair question “ I have where to get the replacement and all that in there, as well as my symptoms and a quick review of the repair.
I don’t know that this is what’s going on for you, but if it is, there is another option.
Hmm, interesting, that’s just the vent tube, or whatever it’s called. A little seepage there isn’t the end of the world.
What kind of issues were you having that led to the valve cover diagnosis?
It was part of a "comprehensive" diagnosis. The MINI went in when we noticed quite a bit of oil under the car. Pretty much the whole underside of the engine was soaked, so I could not tell where it was coming from.
The dealership assessed that the HPFP (which they had replaced under warranty) had a significant leak at the oil gasket. They also stated that there was "Valve cover leaking from blow off valve" The part they quoted was for the cylinder head cover assembly and 2 cans of brake cleaner. I seriously see no other seepage and you can clearly see all around the base of the cylinder head cover. Also, each of the wells leading to the plugs is bone dry.
Ok, that’s making a little bit more sense. It may very well be that they checked the blow off (diverter) valve and found oil either maybe there or your turbo inlet...... maybe?
If that was the case, I can see the valve cover recommendation. If my brain is working properly right now.... it’s never a given... if there was, that is one of the symptoms of the PCV. Oil will work its way through the tube where you have seepage (there’s the reason for that) into the intake tract. It does explain both items, if that’s the case. If you are out of warranty like me, it’s totally your call, but I think the diaphragm may just take care of it. Might be worth a shot? Unless the valve cover is cracked and leaking, I can’t really think of another reason to replace it other than the PCV. If you don’t mind waiting for a couple weeks for it to arrive, it could help. It’s definitely something to consider.
I replaced this diaphragm valve cover gasket after ordering it from the Russian supplier. It was a very easy install and stopped the whining I was getting when the car was cold. The car also seems to run smoother but that may just be a placebo effect.
I highly recommend replacing the diaphragm if you have PCV issues or minor whining that disappears when you remove the oil dipstick.
I have the diaphragm from the same supplier. The part I am worried about is snapping the clips that hold the cover down. I understand there are a couple that are hard to get as they are near the middle underneath. How did you get to them without snapping them?
Thank you. ECS says that does not fit the 2012 S All4 model. I will call them tomorrow to see if there is an actual difference in the S and non-S N18 engine.
