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View Full Version : New guy- oil residue on the engine


Yankeefan
10-21-2017, 11:25 AM
Can someone tell me what could cause this oil residue that's on the engine? Is it most likely the head cover gasket? Note that these pictures were actually taken after I cleaned it up a bit, there was more to start with. I appreciate any help!

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Oli77
10-21-2017, 12:36 PM
Could be oil coming down from VCG and/ or power steering fluid flowing upward when you drive.
Typically, VCG leaks at passenger corner and you smell burning oil.
Afraid you need to clean it well completely and see where the leak develops.
Yankeefan
10-21-2017, 01:59 PM
Alright thanks, I'll try to clean it better tomorrow and watch it closely the next couple of weeks. I haven't smelled any oil yet.
danewilson77
10-21-2017, 07:08 PM
Valve cover gasket.

Sent from my S8+
BMWCurves
10-21-2017, 08:42 PM
Valve cover gasket.

Sent from my S8+

My car's doing that to a lesser extent, and it's definitely a failing VCG.
Yankeefan
10-22-2017, 05:05 AM
Thanks guys. If it is a VCG is there a tutorial on doing the repair yourself? How tough is that DIY? And where should I look for the replacement part(s)?
danewilson77
10-22-2017, 06:16 PM
Job is super easy. May want to consider swapping spark plugs (while you're in there).

Realoem.com is a great place to find part numbers then plug into either FCPEuro.com or ecstuning.com

Here is an option:

https://www.fcpeuro.com/BMW-parts/330i?year=2004&e=180&m=20&keywords=Valve%20cover%20gasket

Other kits may have other parts and options (bolt grommet gaskets, etc)

Here is a video:

https://youtu.be/qWgMrJcww_Y

Here is a direction example:

http://www.pelicanparts.com/BMW/techarticles/BMW-3-Series-E46/16-ENGINE-Tackling_Your_Valve_Cover/16-ENGINE-Tackling_Your_Valve_Cover.htm

Sent from my S8+
04TitanSilber
10-26-2017, 03:27 PM
Vanos feed line is probably leaking too
Dave1027
11-04-2017, 08:44 AM
Vanos feed line is probably leaking too

Yep. If OP is going to do the valve cover gasket, may want to consider doing the vanos seals and vanos oil line while in there. But then while doing the vanos oil line might as well do the oil filter housing gasket.

These cars are fun, aren't they? It never ends.
BMWCurves
11-04-2017, 09:00 AM
Yep. If OP is going to do the valve cover gasket, may want to consider doing the vanos seals and vanos oil line while in there. But then while doing the vanos oil line might as well do the oil filter housing gasket.

These cars are fun, aren't they? It never ends.

Nooo...don't tell me I should also be doing the OFHG today too.
Dave1027
11-04-2017, 09:16 AM
Well if it's oil up front and top, it's not the OFHG. I just thought that if you are replacing the vanos line, it's easier when the oil filter housing is out. But you can do it without removing the OFH.
BMWCurves
11-04-2017, 09:25 AM
Well if it's oil up front and top, it's not the OFHG. I just thought that if you are replacing the vanos line, it's easier when the oil filter housing is out. But you can do it without removing the OFH.

Yeah, I'm pretty much making a joke. My OFHG seems leak-free at the moment (knock on wood) and I don't have the gasket on hand anyways.