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R56 Which Valve Cover Gasket?

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Old May 11, 2016 | 04:10 AM
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iRaNdOmDuDei's Avatar
iRaNdOmDuDei
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Which Valve Cover Gasket?

Hi, everyone! Long time lurker, so it's my first post here.

I have a 2008 R56 S (the turbo) with the N14 engine. I recently developed a CEL telling me I had a vacuum leak. Well, it was right, my valve cover is cracked and I have a replacement on the way. However, for the life of me I can not figure out which gasket to use.

I have checked several parts stores and every one has at least TWO gaskets they say will fit. The issue is each gasket is significantly different from each other, they can't all fit...right?

I can post pictures of my valve cover if need be. Pictures of the gaskets I found are below.




 

Last edited by iRaNdOmDuDei; May 11, 2016 at 06:24 AM.
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Old May 11, 2016 | 05:02 AM
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ECSTuning will have the Genuine MINI part. You just put in your model and year and find the genuine part. That will give you a good idea of what the correct one will look like.
 
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Old May 11, 2016 | 06:17 AM
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Originally Posted by NathanMckee
ECSTuning will have the Genuine MINI part. You just put in your model and year and find the genuine part. That will give you a good idea of what the correct one will look like.
Like I said, the places I've looked have at least two that vary significantly. Including ECS tuning, they have three. I don't see how they can all three fit, the gasket is made specifically in the shape of the underside of the valve cover.
 
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Old May 11, 2016 | 06:45 AM
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Originally Posted by iRaNdOmDuDei
Like I said, the places I've looked have at least two that vary significantly. Including ECS tuning, they have three. I don't see how they can all three fit, the gasket is made specifically in the shape of the underside of the valve cover.
Yes they do have three, two are aftermarket. This one is the genuine MINI part which definitely will fit.

https://www.ecstuning.com/Mini-2008-...4B16A/ES18645/
 
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Old May 11, 2016 | 06:54 AM
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iRaNdOmDuDei
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Originally Posted by NathanMckee
Yes they do have three, two are aftermarket. This one is the genuine MINI part which definitely will fit.

https://www.ecstuning.com/Mini-2008-...4B16A/ES18645/
Awesome, thanks!

I have one ordered and it will ship by Friday! :D
 
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Old May 11, 2016 | 07:30 AM
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Yep +1 , they are all the same for the N14 engine in shape and size , just laid out on the table a little bit different for each pic. 11127572851

https://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/11127572851/
 
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Old May 11, 2016 | 05:26 PM
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Did you buy a new valve cover? The new valve covers come with the gaskets.
 
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Old May 11, 2016 | 07:14 PM
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Originally Posted by slimjimtell
Did you buy a new valve cover? The new valve covers come with the gaskets.
No, I bought it used (still in good condition!) from a guy who works at the MINI dealer. :P
 
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Old May 12, 2016 | 03:22 AM
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These valve covers are notorious for cracking. They leak And you won't find the crack because it's hidden inside the PVC system built into the top of it. So good luck, I hope the used one you got isn't cracked.

I just replaced mine on my 2010 R55 due to a crack. I got a new one for about 350.00 with the gaskets. Easy job to replace.
 
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Old May 12, 2016 | 03:57 AM
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Originally Posted by slimjimtell
These valve covers are notorious for cracking. They leak And you won't find the crack because it's hidden inside the PVC system built into the top of it. So good luck, I hope the used one you got isn't cracked.

I just replaced mine on my 2010 R55 due to a crack. I got a new one for about 350.00 with the gaskets. Easy job to replace.
Yeah...plastic valve cover on an engine that has a reputation of running slightly warmer than other vehicles wasn't such a good idea in retrospect, I am sure.

But, the cover he shipped me looks brand new, but it had motor oil on it, so I assumed it was used, unless it comes new soaking in oil. I'm hoping the fact he works at a MINI dealership as a mechanic means he wouldn't screw me over...
 
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Old Jun 8, 2016 | 10:33 AM
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I just changed my valve cover maybe 4 weeks and still leaking.....
has to be the valve cover cracked somewhere..
and 350 for a new one is nuts stupid f'n crazy....this thing is killin me...plasctic cover...jesus...
 
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