So the oil seen in the picture just started today. Am I in for a valve cover replacement?

 

I've seen something similar to this with a friends Mini and it turned out to be bad piston rings. Is your Mini using a lot of oil?

 

wha?

 

when it comes to leaks, clean and monitor the area for recurrence. there should be a clip/bracket holding that air pipe, by the way.

 

Would you look at that! I'll see if I can source that clip. Thanks for noticing!

I bought the car from Carmax with 53K miles on it. I had them replace the valve cover when I bought it. 74K miles now.
She's a bit of a smoke puffer after a long idle...but that seems to just have gotten a bit worse the past 1K miles.

It uses about a qt every 1200-1400 miles.

If I do have to replace the valve cover, I'd need a gasket and...?
Should I be doing anything there while I have it off?

 

The smoke is from this oil and perhaps it's dripping on the exhaust. that's why cleaning it will give you a better chance of tracking the leak accurately.

if you elect to replace the cover, the gaskets come with it. while you have it off, inspect the timing chain rails and if you/carmax have not replaced the timing chain tensioner, I suggest considering getting it done.

 

The smoke is out the tailpipe and not on the exhaust...I checked this first. :-)
Nothing really dripping externally on the engine except for this that just started this week.

That tube on the driver's side, can I just pull on it to remove and then push it back in just to be sure? (since the clip is missing)

 

Verify it isn't just coming from the hose. If it isn't just the hose then you will need a valve cover as the crankcase vent is leaking which is part of the cover.
https://www.waymotorworks.com/valve-...-cooper-s.html

 

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/part...&q=13717570673

it could be that the PCV is letting oil into the cyls. can you inspect the condition of the intake ports since carbon build-up is an issue the turbo engines.

 

Going to replace this next weekend...do I need to use RTV gasket "goo" anywhere when I replace this or is the included gasket sufficient?

Does anyone know if that hose clip comes with the valve cover?

Thanks for all of the help!

 

I dont think it comes with it. some people add rtv at the corners (I never did and was fine) but read this article:
https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/r...th-lid/Fm73zv1

http://www.rmeuropean.com/Products/1...673-MFG26.aspx
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/min...er-13717570673
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Genuine-Cli...daYfFw&vxp=mtr
https://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin...3-71-7-570-673

 

Sorry for all of the questions (best way to learn!) ....
The PCV hose connector on the passenger's side of the cover...how does that disconnect?
Twist, clip, just pull?

Thanks!

 

you press on the sides of it and pull out.

 

Was reading about the timing chain tensioner. I was told this was replaced under warranty with the previous owner. Now that I have 75K, can I check this from the top while I have the valve cover off or does that require more disassembly?

Thanks!

 

I think once you have the right length tensioner, you should be set. it goes without saying to check the guides while you have it removed.

the trick is keeping the oil at the right level.

 

Thanks for all your help!!

I check and fill every Saturday...I even keep a log of how much I add and note any other "oddities" I see or hear. Oil changes every 4K miles.

 

My guess is that the clips is not there and leaking a little oil on the cover. Clip liked in thread and talked about missing. Clean the oil up a bit and see if its still coming from that side. If not then its the main cover leaking around the center.

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

 

Yeah..cleaned it up and it comes back. I ordered the cover from you and I get it today! Going to replace it this weekend!

The clip is $20, wanted to add it to my order, but it was too late. Not going to pay 1/4 the cost of the clip on shipping :-(

 

Thanks for the order. Sorry I just saw this post and would have informed you. If you get another order going with free shipping then you can add it in. Might as well get some oil filters (@ 49$ all together) or an oil service kit (free ship) that way you can get it thrown in with free shipping.

 

ok

 

PM me the order # asap and I will try to make it happen.

 

So tightening torque is just about 7.3 ft lbs...correct?

The swap was rather easy and quick. :-)