correct E46 tappet cover install procedure?

[kilotango]

Hi Guys,

I've managed to find and order a new tappet cover for my 330ci. i have tried to reseal the current one twice before (warped), and it didnt last long. so i would appreciate some advice on doing it correctly for when the new one arrives soon. (i ordered new grommets and the full OEM gasket set for the install as well.)

the part that confuses me is putting silicone on the half moon sections of the front and back. some places say to put a little on those specific areas, and some places say to put all the way into the half moons. which is correct? i've had a kak time using bostik super gasket.. so what else can i use that will work properly thats easily available?

secondly.. what are the correct torgue specs of the nuts? i have read in many places that you dont need to torque it down as such, but rather just tighten until the nut+washer bottoms out...also whats the correct sequence?

the last few times i used blixem to clean the surfaces, but im thinking of going with brake cleaner rather this time.

TIA!

 

[zippy320]

How did the cover warp? Im not sure about the 330i but on my 318i with N42 , the covers made of plastic , Had no idea they could warp ,

Regarding the gasket , I have no glue or gasket sealer on mine anywhere and I replace the gasket myself a long time ago , with no leaks .

I don't think there should be glue or gasket sealer on those gaskets .But the 330i could be different . I Did have glue on the half moon pieces at the back before I did the replacement , and that's where it leaked from .

Now , no glue and no leaks . If the tappet cover is warped , could the head part be warped as well?

 

[Peter@AEW]

Place gasket seal on the edge of the half moons...a little bit.
Clean cylinder head mating surface.
Locate cover.
Make sure the grommets that fit in the nuts are new.
Torque nuts to 10Nm in sequence starting at top center and going to bottom center.

 

[kilotango]

thanks guys,

@zippy, it seems quite common with these M54 based cars.. i think its just plastic plus 15 years seems to cause this problem. they either crack or warp at some stage. the original rubber gasket turns to "plastic", and just breaks off too.. i originally thought that changing the gasket only would fix it, but it didnt work for long. tried using silicone too, and that was also a fail. only once i took a straight edge and looked at the cover properly could the "warping" be seen.

from what i understand, its not serious or related to head damage/overheating etc..just that it causes small leaks of oil around the top of the head that burn up and cause a shit smell and smoke.

 

[zippy320]

Interesting , I didnt know this was a problem on those engines , If you must use gasket sealer or maker on it , I suggest a brand called Victor Rhines , It comes in a blue and white and gray box , Its the absolute best I have ever used on anything . Its sort of a gray paste when it comes out of the tube. Silicone does not work , I think the heat destroys them after a while .

If you replace the valve cover , take a sort of measuring level with you to the yards where ever you buy the cover from and check that the one your replacing it with isnt damaged as well .

thanks guys,

@zippy, it seems quite common with these M54 based cars.. i think its just plastic plus 15 years seems to cause this problem. they either crack or warp at some stage. the original rubber gasket turns to "plastic", and just breaks off too.. i originally thought that changing the gasket only would fix it, but it didnt work for long. tried using silicone too, and that was also a fail. only once i took a straight edge and looked at the cover properly could the "warping" be seen.

from what i understand, its not serious or related to head damage/overheating etc..just that it causes small leaks of oil around the top of the head that burn up and cause a shit smell and smoke.

 

[kilotango]

Interesting , I didnt know this was a problem on those engines , If you must use gasket sealer or maker on it , I suggest a brand called Victor Rhines , It comes in a blue and white and gray box , Its the absolute best I have ever used on anything . Its sort of a gray paste when it comes out of the tube. Silicone does not work , I think the heat destroys them after a while .

If you replace the valve cover , take a sort of measuring level with you to the yards where ever you buy the cover from and check that the one your replacing it with isnt damaged as well .

...........

cheers, will have a look around for that brand of sealer. i've mostly seen that bostik shite around, and i know for sure that is a waste of time.

I was initially looking for a second hand cover to try and save some cash, but Gizmo warned me about that... so had to buy a new one ultimately. :coolShake:

 

[Gizmo]

Buy the silicon sealer from the agents, its called Drei Bond. Works way better than any off-the-shelf sealer you get from your local auto parts store. Its around R200 for a tube.

 

[kilotango]

thanks Gizmo, will ask our local dealer here if they have this.. they are flippin useless though. :hammerhead: