Changed the Valve Cover Gasket and Now Have An Oil Leak =/

[BMW4LIFE]

Like the title says...

I discovered it when i was changing the tranny fluid

I noticed oil on the exhaust and traced it back up to the back of the engine...

I used a spray sealant when I replaced the gasket but apparently that was not good enough

the gasket is brand new and a VERY GOOD BRAND

questions...

a) what kind of sealant should I use?

b) can I use my new gasket or do I need to order another one?

c) should I use a silicone based sealant?



thanks guys

[Bo525i]

Are you sure that the half-moon part of the gasket was seated properly when you remounted the covers, sounds like that´s where the leak occurred?

Anyways, when I changed mine I used this sealant sparingly in the whole groove in the covers plus the spots in the pic below: http://www.permatex.com/products/Automotive/automotive_gasketing/gasket_makers/auto_Permatex_Ultra_Copper_Maximum_Temperature_RTV _Silicone_Gasket_Maker.htm
It helps in holding the gasket when mounting the covers and seals everything!

[bubba966]

You can reuse the gasket since it's new.

You're going to want to use an RTV in the spots on the pic above. I used Permatex black RTV on the M50 that I pulled the valve cover on to do the VANOS repair.

[Russell]

I changed the valve cover gasket on my 95 525i about 16 months and did not use any sealalnt. No leaks. Why would I use a sealant?

[leicesterboy15]

I changed the valve cover gasket on my 95 525i about 16 months and did not use any sealalnt. No leaks. Why would I use a sealant?

I was going to ask the same question, is a sealant needed? I'm about to do this on my m60.

[whiskychaser]

Only reason I can see to use sealant is to hold the gasket in place somewhere it may move while you are placing the cover on. Well, exactly the spots in the diagram:D I use some sealant on the steel washers on the sump guard for exactly that reason. Doesnt perform any sealing function. It just makes life easier

[Kibokojoe]

Don't use a sealant except at specific points and then use use a small glob about the size of a pea. What engine do you have?

[BMW4LIFE]

Are you sure that the half-moon part of the gasket was seated properly when you remounted the covers, sounds like that´s where the leak occurred?

Anyways, when I changed mine I used this sealant sparingly in the whole groove in the covers plus the spots in the pic below: http://www.permatex.com/products/Automotive/automotive_gasketing/gasket_makers/auto_Permatex_Ultra_Copper_Maximum_Temperature_RTV _Silicone_Gasket_Maker.htm
It helps in holding the gasket when mounting the covers and seals everything!

Love the diagram...thanks!

and yes i suspect the half moon as well...I am waiting for the engine to cool before I start.

Hopefully this time around I do a better job ;)

[BMW4LIFE]

don't use a sealant except at specific points and then use use a small glob about the size of a pea. What engine do you have?

m50

[Kibokojoe]

Exactly. The only other place is where a gasket makes a sharp turn and the gasket may not seal at the turn.