Oil pan gasket fix...while I'm in there...?

[m3f_JGard]

Looks like my oil pan gasket started leaking the other day, annoyingly. So I'm going to start work on replacing it within the next week or two, depending on my schedule.



I've done a ton of searching and reading up but still want to make sure I get through all the "while you're in there" items.



Because the subframe needs to be dropped and because my tie rod ends are pretty worn, I'm going to replace the full tie rods (and swaybar end links, which also have no more rubber). I've already replaced all the PS hoses to fix that system's prior leak.



I'll also replace the dipstick o-ring, which should be easy. I know the oil pump nut is a potential issue, but I'm not going to drill/safety wire it and I'm not going to weld it. If it's still tight, perhaps I'll just damage the threads with a punch and a hammer as a basic precaution.



What else would be good to tackle?



I probably need a new engine drive belt, but I also want to replace the tensioners and the water pump, but honestly, that all is going to wait until next winter (I just replaced everything else cooling system, don't want to drain and refill it yet again right now).



thanks in advance

[m3f_Solaris99]

Are you 100% certain it's the oil pan gasket leaking and not the oil filter housing?

[m3f_JGard]

Are you 100% certain it's the oil pan gasket leaking and not the oil filter housing?

That was my first thought, but when I looked underneath, it appears that it's all around the oil pan and it looks like it's seeping from everywhere.



The housing is still possible, and perhaps beginning there wouldn't be the worst thing, but it didn't look like that was the culprit here. Above the oil pan gasket looked pretty dry

[m3f_Evtron]

Safety wiring is easy, and the drilled nut from rally road is so cheap, it's kind of a no brainer if you ask me. Definitely a better solution than punching the threads. Be sure to check the pick up tube for cracks. Some people replace it with the Z3 piece that's factory reinforced.


A leaking oil pan gasket could be a sign of positive crank case pressure, so I'd recommend checking out your CCV. I'd also recommend sending an oil sample off to blackstone for analysis.


Other than that, maybe fcabs? Oil pan baffle?

[m3f_JGard]

I had read somewhere about the positive pressure causing a problem. I replaced my CCV about 500 miles ago, but I bought a cheap unit off Amazon. I'm wondering if it failed. Or maybe it's just that the car is 18 years old with 140k miles and it's been seeping a little already, and now just became bad enough to drip to the floor. I changed the vcg not long ago and it's amazing how hard and brittle that rubber had become.


I have looked up the pickup tube thing, but I hadn't seen one for sale where it's just the tube and not also the oil pump. I'll keep looking, though.


Good to know about the drilled nut, I'll consider that as well.

[m3f_Evtron]

The PN for the Z3 pick up tube is 11411703930. ECS has it at $55.20.


Let us know how it goes. I also have a leaking oil pan gasket and will be taking care of this in the near future. Good luck!

[m3f_vmbray]

Ball joints, power steering hoses.Little more work to drop the control arms but it makes the pan easier anyway. Engine mounts maybe?


Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

[m3f_Evtron]

Ah yes, forgot the engine mounts.

[m3f_Evtron]

Dude I just realized you're in Austin. LMK if you'd like a hand, I also have a special safety wiring tool.

[m3f_JGard]

oh yeah, I actually have a set of engine mounts given to me by the PO, I was planning on installing those.


Also my car ate about 1/2 quart of oil in the last 150-200 miles. Maybe I got a defective ccv

[m3f_englishtom1596q]

as others have said


*Pickup tube and gasket

*oil pan baffle

*safety wired oil pump nut

*dip stick o-ring

*Engine motor mounts

*power steering hoses + flush

[m3f_JGard]

Cool thanks.


Evtron: I think we've PMed on another bmw forum. If I can pick out a day to get the bulk of this done, i'll shoot you a message if you're around. Another set of eyes and hands never hurts.

[m3f_JGard]

Cool thanks.


Evtron: I think we've PMed on another bmw forum. If I can pick out a day to get the bulk of this done, i'll shoot you a message if you're around. Another set of eyes and hands never hurts.


So my shopping list now is:

oil pan gasket

drilled oil pump nut

left and right full tie rods with new boots

oil suction pipe with gasket

dipstick o-ring

steering guibo (just because I'm sure it's never been done)

new CCV (going with the Vaico from ECS to replace the $20 amazon-special I installed not long ago)


I already have engine mounts, I don't even recall the brand, but they're just OEM replacements. I also have an engine support bar from harbor freight already being delivered soon. I'm going to pass on the baffle. The car doesn't get driven hard enough to warrant it, in my opinion. It's the car I use to run errands on weekends with my two year old or to drive myself to hockey one or two nights a week