This message is marked as Important.

Subject: FYI . ( Valve Covers ) Author: stas : member since January, 2007 : 2293 posts Posted on: 2008-07-17 18:40:25

Just want to share.
I am done with my Valve gasket replacement and it looks good so far. Would like to say a big thanks to a “ArbysNight” and “Magnum” for their write ups ,they have helped me a lot with this DYI. Just would like to add some comments for those who thinking to do it one day.

1. The job is a B….ch ! The work itself is not the hardest part, but dealing with these little details take a lot of time. Those little metal clips holding cable boxes to the fuel injectors are the biggest pain. BMW engineers probably were drunk while designing this connection. The most difficult is the passenger side. Removing is Ok, but mounting them back ….
That is why I come up with this bended metal plate. It helps a lot to work from the underneath of the box. The first two clips (from the front of the car) can be mounted without this plate, but rear two almost impossible to reach with fingers.

2. Put the clips like you see on the pictures. You might be lucky if you install them to their standard location right away, I was not. I spent 30-40 min trying put them back the right way, and at the end 5 min to do it my way. The pictures are not that clear (too close) but the clip should be on top of the wiring box connectors away from the red little hooks on injectors. That is only when box is going to slide in its position easily. Then just push the clips down equally from both sides. It worked; on a driver’s side I spent just 10 min.
That was the hardest part of the job.

3. I did not remove the paint from the covers myself. If you want to have it perfectly done - give them to somebody who can blast them (I paid $35 per cover and $50 to paint them. It took them 2 days to complete this work). When I was waiting I had my calipers refreshed with paint again 

4. When you will install everything back and start the engine – expect some white smoke from the engine. I had it. You are going to have it for a couple of minutes; this is silicon and glycerin burning. The smoke is more like a steam: white, almost without smell. If it smells like rubber burning or oil, it can be something else.

That is it. Hope it will help to somebody.

• FYI . ( Valve Covers ) (pic) - stas 2008-07-17 18:40:25 (13582 views)
  • I have those same picks in the last picture. Everyone should have them. - eaglecomm 2008-07-18 15:24:54 (533 views)
    • You are right ,they helped me a LOT ... (pic) - stas 2008-07-18 18:48:01 (743 views)
  • You don't need any sort of tool like the bended metal plate you used (pic) - stritarja 2008-07-18 13:18:20 (1115 views)
    • I understand what you saying. - stas 2008-07-18 18:52:27 (471 views)
    • Which is actually the case for most connectors on the engine... - bsnedeker 2008-07-18 15:00:58 (455 views)
      • Oh, but also... - bsnedeker 2008-07-18 15:01:40 (378 views)
        • Only the first time - it takes me less than 10 min a side now. (nt) - stritarja 2008-07-18 17:15:49 (542 views)
          • why unhook them at all? Just pull all the injectors with the fuel rail. Someone - justible 2008-07-18 18:21:23 (699 views)
            • Yes, but i did not want to scratch the covers. - stas 2008-07-19 11:24:31 (406 views)
              • I would also be worried about hitting the camshaft timing wheel and bending it.. (nt) - bsnedeker 2008-07-19 16:02:01 (414 views)
  • Pop the plastic holders for the plastic box and you can pull the box off enough - zapperjoe 2008-07-17 21:44:57 (578 views)
    • Inside the box where it connects to the injector plug. (nt) - zapperjoe 2008-07-17 21:45:56 (475 views)
  • Nice work. (nt) - rg0115 2008-07-17 21:39:57 (346 views)
  • Screw those clips man! - bsnedeker 2008-07-17 20:01:16 (559 views)
    • Brad! How did the timing go? Vanos errors gone now? (nt) - justible 2008-07-18 18:23:09 (414 views)
  • Re: FYI . ( Valve Covers ) - shifttradition 2008-07-17 18:58:37 (468 views)