Subject: Great write-up and pictures! Some possible additions.... Author: cosmo : member since April, 2004 : 87 posts Posted on: 2004-04-21 13:14:13

Will -- really nice write-up. I wish I would have had this 2 weeks ago! :-) A couple possible suggestions:

1) The gaskets seem to come sort of folded into a box. This can cause the gasket to have some memory of being twisted, and for the rear cutout half-moons, can cause them to not sit perfectly straight down when installed into the valve cover. To ensure they seat properly, it's worth spending some time gently warming them and releasing this twist prior to installation. (The problem is that it's virtually impossible to inspect them after installation to ensure that they're properly seated.)

2) I found it easier to apply the Hylomar to the gasket rather than to the engine itself, as the TIS suggests. The rear cutouts are almost impossible to see while you're applying the goop, and I was afraid I'd get too much in there.

3) The TIS calls out glycerine, but multiple folks, including my local BMW service guy, have suggested that it's not necessary. If desired, however, it can be found at any local pharmacy for about $3.

4) I wasn't sure how tight to make the cover bolts, but then dug up from somewhere that you simply need to tighten them down until they bottom out against the studs. Perhaps this is obvious to everyone else, but thought it might be worth a mention.

Overall, what a great suppliment to the TIS!

Bryan
'98 Cosmos Black 740iL

• valve cover gasket notes to supplement e38.org (url) - wcsnyder 2004-04-20 21:49:54 (14512 views)
  • And here are the TIS instructions, courtesy of JCarey (pic) - DavidC 2004-11-12 17:08:50 (5780 views)
  • Great write-up and pictures! Some possible additions.... - cosmo 2004-04-21 13:14:13 (1836 views)
    • Good comments (m) - wcsnyder 2004-04-21 21:40:35 (997 views)
  • Very nice - Is this on e38.org? >>> more - randyv 2004-04-21 12:28:18 (1000 views)
    • Other sources for vc gasket replacement proc. (m) - wcsnyder 2004-04-21 21:43:00 (1399 views)
  • Excellent ! (nt) - WTH 2004-04-20 22:17:55 (771 views)