So I took the MINI in to the dealership for unrelated items and they fouǹd two oil leaks: vacuum pump and valve cover. The vacuum pump is covered under extended warranty so they are fixing that. The valve is not covered under warranty because it touches a hose that touches the PCV valve .

Anyway they want $4xx to replace the valve cover and gasket. They said I need a new cover because the cover is leaking not the gasket, which I find very odd.

Have any of you replaced a valve cover and can you tell me how difficult it is to do?

THX!!

 

This is a pretty common failure as the PCV system is part of the valve cover and usually what is failed and leaking. Replacing the valve cover will fix it. This job can be done by a first timer in an hour as it's pretty easy. If you not sure get a bentley manual and it will show you how.
We keep the Valve Cover in stock as we often see them.

http://www.waymotorworks.com/valve-c...-cooper-s.html

Valve cover gasket comes with it.

 

Thanks Way! I see that the valve cover is considerably more complex (and expensive) than a traditional stamped sheet metal one. Is there something about the ones you are selling to inspire confidence that they won't have the same problems as the failed ones?

 

I don't think there has been any improvement to the cover. My car was on its third one I believe when I traded in the car.

Just another one of those items that has to be replaced in whole instead of just a small part.

But as Way said, it is pretty easy to do.

 

Its not hard to do, there was a change in the design over the years on the N14 valve cover.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...lve-cover.html

 

We also see this every now and then where it is the PCV system that leaks rather than the gasket itself. I also show that MINI has superseded these since they came out. We keep them in stock as well at 20% off MINI List. Hope this helps!

http://www.minipartsmass.com/parts/i...&siteid=215989