Rogue Engineering oil return line vs stock

[Nate047]

How guys, I have what I believe is a somewhat common issue, what looks to me like a weeping/dripping oil return line on the side of the valve cover. It’s dripping onto the headers and causing a lot of smoke when they are hot from what I can gather.

I’m considering this Rogue oil return line instead of stock for easier installation. What do we think?

https://www.rogueengineering.com/Rogue-Engineering-S54-Oil-Return-Line_p_387.html

Not needing to remove the headers is a big time saving bonus.

Any downsides to this?

[enjoy_m3]

Did you replace both copper washers and it still leaked?

[Cubieman]

I bought one of those, yet to install it, I guess with some patience you can install the OEM line even with SS headers.
I made a post about this line a little while back and I swear someone said they did the OEM w/o removing anything, but the cost is still something I don't like.

[Nate047]

Did you replace both copper washers and it still leaked?

I haven’t touched it yet but I feel like I won’t be lucky and get off easy like that lol. But I suppose it’s worth a try, can you get them off without removing the line?

[Nate047]

I bought one of those, yet to install it, I guess with some patience you can install the OEM line even with SS headers.
I made a post about this line a little while back and I swear someone said they did the OEM w/o removing anything, but the cost is still something I don't like.

Yea my car is a very early build date so I also have to get the fitting, but still cheaper than ~$330 for the OEM line. Removing the headers is a pain in the ass, plus new gaskets and whatever one time bolts or nuts are in there, can’t remember exactly but I think you’re not supposed to reuse some of those.

[Slideways]

Whenever the valve cover comes off, those two sealing rings should be replaced.

Unless it is damaged or leaking, I would continue using the factory line.

[sapote]

I haven’t touched it yet but I feel like I won’t be lucky and get off easy like that lol. But I suppose it’s worth a try, can you get them off without removing the line?

I am guessing your pipe banjo crush washers might even be missing based on your question about removing them
The washers easily fell off whenener the pipe is disconnected from the VC. It's a metal pipe so I think the oil leak is due to the bad or missing washers. New washers would fix the issue.
The banjo bold goes through the washers and I always used paper towel to block off the holes below in case they drop.

[heinzboehmer]

Hard to say for certain just by looking at one picture, but to me it looks like the leak isn't coming from that line. You can see the grime extend upwards under the beauty cover. Seems like oil is just collecting at that banjo bolt and making it look like it's leaking.

I realize this does not answer your question, but have you checked what it looks like under the beauty cover?

[Nate047]

I am guessing your pipe banjo crush washers might even be missing based on your question about removing them
The washers easily fell off whenener the pipe is disconnected from the VC. It's a metal pipe so I think the oil leak is due to the bad or missing washers. New washers would fix the issue.
The banjo bold goes through the washers and I always used paper towel to block off the holes below in case they drop.

Tbh I have never removed the valve cover personally, I farmed out the VANOS job so I suppose it’s possible that something happened during that time. That was like 5000-7000 miles ago, symptoms are somewhat recent though. But yea, I’ll check the washers first, I’m not trying to spend money where I don’t need to.

[Nate047]

Hard to say for certain just by looking at one picture, but to me it looks like the leak isn't coming from that line. You can see the grime extend upwards under the beauty cover. Seems like oil is just collecting at that banjo bolt and making it look like it's leaking.

I realize this does not answer your question, but have you checked what it looks like under the beauty cover?

Fair point and no, I have not pulled off the beauty cover yet. I’ll take a look at it tonight and get some pictures. It appears to be clean everywhere else except on and nearby the return line, at first glance.

[Cubieman]

I have a timing cover leak, but that leak for me has oil below the VC>head seam.

Clean all as well as possible and check the VC gasket, spark plug tube seals, vanos>head sealing surface, vanos>sealing plate, chain tensioner as well.

The last three would likely not produce oil where you have it up that high but you never know, air blows oil in weird spots sometimes.

[Casa de Mesa]

Hard to say for certain just by looking at one picture, but to me it looks like the leak isn't coming from that line.

I had the same thought.

Just pull the plastic cover and see if there is anything suspect looking. No need to pull the valve cover.

[davidinnyc]

I bet that leak is coming from one of the rubber seals for your #5 valve cover cap nut. Take the beauty cover off as others have suggested before buying the line!

[heinzboehmer]

I bet that leak is coming from one of the rubber seals for your #5 valve cover cap nut. Take the beauty cover off as others have suggested before buying the line!

What you said or the seal for the oil separator would be my guess.

Edit: I guess spark plug tube seal could be a suspect too

[Nate047]

Here’s a video with the beauty cover off

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/cljxgp3559n9qe5o70iaq/IMG_3291.MOV?rlkey=wegam5h1l1yyywwuin44ddjze&st=6toyt179&dl=0