I had a check engine light come on in my 2008 Mini. The error code I was given stated that there was a misfire in cylinder #1. When I went to check my engine coil and spark plug, I noticed that the tube was filled with oil. My research has lead me to believe that the issue is most likely with the valve cover gasket replacement and/or the spark plug tube seal.

My question is, how difficult and time consuming will this be for an amateur to DIY, and is there a "band aid" fix that could get me by for two days until I'm off from work? I've seen some type of sealant in the auto store as well as seen it mentioned online.

I did order a Bentley repair manual, spark plugs, engine coils, head bolts, and a head gasket so far, but those won't be here until Tuesday...

 

The valve cover gasket and spark plug tube seals are a very easy/reasonable DIY. I put the car on jack stands to save my back, but you can leave it on the ground.

It's been 2 years since I had to replace my valve cover but from what I remember, you have to pull off the intercooler diverter,the intercooler and unhook the PCV valve. I think that's it. you're reusing the same cover so no need to remove the coil pack. (Though if you do be very careful to not over tighten the bolts or you'll get to replace the valve cover)

I think you do need a 10mm deep socket to get to some of the bolts, and a torx screw driver/bit for the intercooler and diverter, but that's about as complicated as the tools get. I'd say it's an hour to maybe 2 hours depending on how many stuck bolts you have to fight with and how much trouble you have getting the new spark plug seals in. I replaced my whole cover and it came with new seals so I don't know how hard/easy it is.

As far as a bandaid, I can't think of anything that would stem the flow of oil without pulling the valve cover off. You might be able to patch that seal with some RTV silicone but honestly, if you're drive isn't too far, and the leak's not too bad, I'd probably just double check the oil level and live with it.

I'm not sure if you're planning on changing the head gasket too while you're there, but that shouldn't have anything to do with oil leaking at the spark plug tube. You should just need a valve cover gasket, and 4 oil plug tube seals.

Here's a couple of how to's


http://www.northamericanmotoring.com...er-gasket.html

 

It's a piece of cake to do! Last week I did my wife's R53 valve cover gasket and tube seals while she was making dinner........I got done first. My suggestion would be to check the rubber o-rings on the valve cover bolts before you order your gasket. I needed to replace 4 and luckily I had some laying around.

 

Thanks guys. I got confused between the valve cover gasket and the head gasket. Took me a few hours, but I got the job done! You've both been a big help.