Warped Valve Cover? Can you tell?

[jorbon]

Seems I need to replace the VCG... Occasional drips onto the exhaust manifold at the back of the engine on the passenger side.

I understand that sometimes the gasket isn't the only thing wrong in this situation--that the cover itself has warped in some cases...

My question is - Is there an easy way to tell? ...to answer the warped or straight valve cover question without putting it all back together with the new gaskets and waiting for it to drip?

Thanks in advance-

[LivesNearCostco]

If you can find a large and very flat surface you could lay the valve cover (without gasket) on it, go around it with a bright flashlight, and see if there are any light gaps. But you need something very flat. I know, use your new granite, quartz, or Corian countertops! Don't worry the dirty oil usually wipe right off and won't soak into the counter material as long as it was properly sealed. Just don't eat off the counters afterward...

More seriously a machine shop or woodworking shop would probably have a really flat table you could use. Or sneak the cover into the kitchen section of your local Home Depot or Lowes... and most of the time it's the gasket not the cover. Check if your old gasket is hard and plasticized. If it's still fresh and pliable, then maybe your valve cover is warped.

[TheFinanceGuy]

When was the last time the valve cover gasket was replaced? If it was recently, then I would check to make sure RTV was placed in the proper half moon sections in the rear, as we as all of the rubber grommets replaced. Those are what applies an even pressure to the VCG. If all of those are correct, and your CCV is functioning properly (to prevent blow out), then the cover could be warped.

I used to hear about a lot of covered from the old M50's being warped, since they were metal. Once the plastic verison hit the market, I'll hear of a crack, but not warped.

Hope this helps! Why do you suspect it is warped?

[jorbon]

Good info- thank you both. LNC, thought I'd ask the local priest if I can pop it onto the alter...Ha-
No, I'll take a look with the flashlight as you suggest.
TFG, It's never been changed- 70k miles total and a small leak- My indie shop warned me that it might be warped as they said they've see a few.
I'll move ahead on it myself once all the bits arrive later this week from bavauto.
Thank you-

[jorbon]

When was the last time the valve cover gasket was replaced? If it was recently, then I would check to make sure RTV was placed in the proper half moon sections in the rear, as we as all of the rubber grommets replaced. Those are what applies an even pressure to the VCG. If all of those are correct, and your CCV is functioning properly (to prevent blow out), then the cover could be warped.

I used to hear about a lot of covered from the old M50's being warped, since they were metal. Once the plastic verison hit the market, I'll hear of a crack, but not warped.

Hope this helps! Why do you suspect it is warped?

Just noticed you had a 318ic, 96-- that was my first bmw and, once I modded the way I liked, my favorite so far (don't tell the zhp guys :)

[TheFinanceGuy]

lol. I loved my 318.

It's fun to drive a slow car fast...


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[jorbon]

lol. I loved my 318.

It's fun to drive a slow car fast...


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Yeah- I bought it new in 1996. Slow / heavy... Much later, I went on to add t blower (downing Atlanta's Eaton set-up, a 3.91 lsd a,d lightweight everything--that, with suspension and super sticky tires and I had a real-live sleeper :)

[TheFinanceGuy]

Awesome! Pictures??

I went on to have kids... That called for a 4 door sedan. But, I wouldn't trade this experience for anything.

[jorbon]

Awesome! Pictures??

I went on to have kids... That called for a 4 door sedan. But, I wouldn't trade this experience for anything.

180421804318044

Can't find the set of shots a friend took at Laguna... through the corkscrew with m3's in front and behind-Loved to track this car... Thunderhill, Laguna, Sears and Buttonwillow. Now? its soccer tournaments all over CA with my 3 kids in the zhp. Love that too.

[johnrando]

:thumbsup

[TheFinanceGuy]

I love it! Such a sleeper with the SC in there!


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[jorbon]

The first time my wife wanted me to sell one of my 2 cars, I sold the brand new silbergrau 05 zhp and kept the old 318 vert sc... I ended up buying another (my current silver 03). I'd come close to trading it today if I could as Berkeley weather is supposed to top out at a very top-downable 66*.