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R60 N18 r60 valve cover replacement

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Old 12-08-2018, 04:34 PM
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N18 r60 valve cover replacement

About to tackle this and it looks pretty easy.

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!
 
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Old 12-08-2018, 05:48 PM
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Old 12-10-2018, 06:16 AM
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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?
 
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Old 12-10-2018, 10:49 AM
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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
 
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Old 12-10-2018, 11:46 AM
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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!
 
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Old 12-10-2018, 11:51 AM
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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.
 
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Old 12-10-2018, 03:41 PM
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I'll check the thread out, thank you.

Here are a couple of pictures of the only seepage I could see.



 
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Old 12-10-2018, 04:00 PM
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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?
 
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Old 12-10-2018, 04:53 PM
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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.
 
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Old 12-10-2018, 06:32 PM
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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.
 
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Old 12-10-2018, 06:37 PM
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If you want to try it:
Vanos-BMW.com is where I got it. This is the one you want.


 
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Old 12-12-2018, 05:19 AM
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Ordered! It cannot hurt, of course. Thank you.
 
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Old 12-12-2018, 06:28 AM
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You bet. Hope it fixes it for you
 
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Old 11-10-2019, 07:42 PM
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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.
 
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Old 11-11-2019, 03:41 PM
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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?
 
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Old 11-11-2019, 04:01 PM
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The new membrane kit I just installed from ECS came with the membrane, new cover and spring - 30.00. Good thing, as I broke 2 clips on the old cover.

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-vaico-pa...127646554~vai/
 
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Old 11-11-2019, 05:04 PM
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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.
 
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Old 11-13-2019, 07:05 AM
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Yes, that one linked above is for the N12/N16 engine, not for the N18 engine.
 
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