So on the valve cover, this is a little plastic cap or something up on the right hand side of it.

What does that cover do and how do you remove it?

Looks like I have oil leaking from that part. I just changeed the valve cover gasket itself not too long ago but dealer is saying I have a leak which I don't believe the gasket is leaking just that little upper part.

and how the hell does it cost 1000 dollars to change the valve cover gasket yet it only cost 450 bucks to re-do an oil pan seal??

oh also...coolant gasket on oil filter housing... $1300 bucks!!!! god damn....

 

Going to need to see a pic to really know what you're talking about.

 

oil pan seal for $450? Find another place to do it. It only cost me $200 at a reputable SoCal shop.

Oil Filter Housing gasket for $1300 is mighty pricey, I know it can be done for at most, half that. I've done that for a few good friends now. It really is a PITA, but I'd never charge $1300 personally.

 

remember, those prices are at a DEALER in a pricey upscale area.

 

the oil seems to be coming from where they spring is where the diaphram is

http://s246.photobucket.com/user/ydd...a67af.jpg.html

looks liek there is a seal but I can't for the life of me figure out how to get that diaphragm cover off.

 

Ok. Now it makes sense. You don't get that cover off. You'd have to cut it off. The valve cover and PCV valve are all one unit. You have to replace the cover to replace the pcv valve system. I just replaced mine yesterday because of a leak. It cost me $313 in parts. Skip that $1000 quote. Thats rediculous. Unless they're replacing other parts too that they didn't explain.

 

actually, when we went to look at it with the tech, it was really like 450. the non-tech guy on the phone was giving one price, but the actually tech was quoting a different price on his work sheet. so actually everything was a lot less than the desk jockey said.

I can replace the valve cover myself, I just did the seal not long ago. 300 dollar part.

 

If you can DIY it yourself you can save. Here the other parts linked.

N12 and N16 MINI Cooper 2007+ ( NON S ) you reuse the front cover part.

http://www.ecstuning.com/News/Mini_Cooper_Gen_2_R55_R56_R57_N12_Valve_Cover_2007 _2008_2009_2010/

 

ESC,

plan too just not at the moment. I replaced the gasket recently so I already know what to do and hopefully I cna just reuse the seals .

 

I just had my oil filter housing gasket replaced, the gasket has two oil channels and two coolant channels. I paid $644 parts and labor.

 

The PCV valve was bad on mine and yes it is all one piece with the valve cover (crazy) replaced the valve cover which cost me $349.00 for the part, you might be able to get it for $300.00 ish on line and do it yourself if your handy.

 

Yea, it comes with new gasket set already on the cover. Just wanted to let you know.

 

Doctors are quitting their practices to become Mini technicians because the margins are better!

But seriously, have you looked at the facilities these dealers are maintaining? They are enormous and totally upscale operations. My mini would blush if I drove it in there. Someone has to pay for that overhead.