Valve Stem seals test

[vimal32]

Hi All,

Is there a way to test on a E90 320i if the valve stem seals are the culprit for high oil usage and some white smoke from exhaust after a minute or 2 of idling?
I have searched alot and it seems like in most cases it is the problem,
but i have some doubt because some people say these symptoms could also be casued by the CCV/oil separator being faulty.

i'm almost 90% sure that it is the valve stem seals, but just wanted to know if there is some sort of test that can be done to confirm it.

140k
N46T
2008
320i

Thanks

 

[Nick]

Does the car smoke out the back when pulling off?

 

[daStrij]

When I had mine done, we let the car idle for about 2-3 minutes and then revved it. A huge, huge cloud of white smoke came out of the exhaust.

I distinctly remember this because I stood in the wrong place and caught it straight from the exhaust :biglol::thumbdo:

I was with the mechanic when this was done by his suggestion. So maybe try this?

 

[Blomhj]

was told years back in school in Motor-works class that you keep the car at 2500rpm for 3 minutes then floor it once and check for smoke and color thereof , this will tell you a lot about the engine, been applying it ever since and never bought a lemon , well engine wise at least .

 

[vimal32]

Does the car smoke out the back when pulling off?

Not that I know of - might smoke a little but too little to see any smoke in the rear view mirror.
Currently using about a litre of oil for every 1000km
no oil on the floor or on the plastic covers.
no oil around the valve cover gasket.
no oil around the oil filter housing.

---

When I had mine done, we let the car idle for about 2-3 minutes and then revved it. A huge, huge cloud of white smoke came out of the exhaust.

I distinctly remember this because I stood in the wrong place and caught it straight from the exhaust :biglol::thumbdo:

I was with the mechanic when this was done by his suggestion. So maybe try this?

Will try this tonight after the drive home and tomorrow morning when the engine is cold.
Thanks

 

[Ralf*]

"rule of thumb" I was taught when I was a youngster

smoke under acceleration( powering away) = rings
smoke under deceleration( against compression) = valve stem seals

 

[Solo Man]

On Stiaan's car - his wife's actually (2004 E46 318i - 2l valvetronic motor) we also thought it could be the ccv valve. I replaced it recently but it still has the same oil consumption it seems and still smokes some times. I remember from driving older cars that when the valve stem oil seals are leaking the car will start smoking after prolonged idling periods, even when standing at a red robot, most of the time. Also, when going down hill against compression and when putting foot down a lot of smoke says valve stem oil seals. Btw., the fittings on the ccv valve we removed were slightly contaminated but not seriously so. I thought they would be nearly completely blocked but had only a small amount of crud in the pipes/ccv. Your case sounds like valve stem oil seals to me.

 

[vimal32]

Thanks for all the input.

I let the car idle for 2 minutes and then revved it up - there was some white smoke - not alot.
Anyway, i guess I need to take it to one of the BMW specialists to give their verdict.

From past searches, it looks like the valve stem seals is about a R8000 to R9000 job - is this about right?
Anyone can suggest a good mechanic in the South or Westrand?

 

[Ahmed ZA]

Hwzit guys i replaced my vavle stem seals without removing the cylinder head.

I supplied the special tool to PROCAR in durban. They technicians did a good job changing all 16 seals. Cost me R4000 Labour only as i provided the seals & special tool. No more smoke. Car is 2006 320i N46 Engine.

My tool is worth R10.000 works on all bmws without removing the cylinder head