525 tappet cover leaking

[Veedub]

Hi all

My tappet cover is leaking, oil is going onto the manifold which results in smoke coming out the bonnet...very annoying when in traffic...

Is it common for these covers to warp?

Edit to add...this is a e39

 

[Nic_s]

It's probably just the seal that's done. It's not expensive to replace. I would do it ASAP 'cos oil on the manifold could catch fire.

 

[Veedub]

It's the cover...can actually see where it's warped...

Any ideas on a replacement?

BMW are a tad bit crazy at r5k

 

[Sankekur]

Well I would suggest you go visit some scrapyards, that will be you best bet to try and find one.

maybe post pics of how its warped, I have seen them cracked, but never warped.

 

[Veedub]

Left the car with my buddy. He organised a used cover and new gasket from bmw...

Will drive it tomorrow to work and see if it is fine...

The old one warped on the side of the exhaust manifold...in between the bolts that hold it down...

 

[KSINGH]

That's not good. Could an over heat be the root cause?

 

[Veedub]

Very possible...the previous owner was coming from durbs and a water pipe burst...car overheated...it was parked at my friends place for over a year until i bought it

 

[KSINGH]

Aaaah

 

[zulu]

Also check that there isn't a longitudinal crack in the cyl head above the area where you have a leak. I experienced this on my Touring, apparently quite common with these engines if extensively overheated. Mine had oil dripping onto the manifold between cylinders 3 and 4.
The crack is not your typical cyl head crack, but is in the area where your valve train is situated, so the oil may appear to be coming from the tappet cover whilst it is actually out slightly below the tappet cover.....hope I've explained sufficently
Cheers

 

[Veedub]

So following a few days of testing, it appears that the issue has been resolved. No smoke and no burnt oil smell. :=):

 

[KSINGH]

You must be relieved

 

[zulu]

Awesome.....