Corteco VCG

[6speedS54]

Has anyone used this VCG, saw it on FCP, I think currently backordered? do you know if its Buna or Viton, cannot find any information on it. Corteco has not responded on FB either.

[BL92]

Go Genuine
Not worth the headache with aftermarket

[6speedS54]

Go Genuine
Not worth the headache with aftermarket

What about the spark plug seals and the rest?

[Cubieman]

I use genuine only for the VCG and elring for the rest, in fact my last set of genuine tube seals had a leak on two cylinders, replaced with elring and good to go.

It could have been some type of installation error, but in any event I wouldn't pay for the genuine tube seals/grommets when other stuff is fine.

[Shonky]

+1 for genuine VCG. can't speak for Corteco but Elring VCG only lasted about a year.

Elring for the other seals has been fine for years now (done at the same time as the long gone Elring VCG)

There's multiple threads here on this and you'll see the same responses.

[6speedS54]

+1 for genuine VCG. can't speak for Corteco but Elring VCG only lasted about a year.

Elring for the other seals has been fine for years now (done at the same time as the long gone Elring VCG)

There's multiple threads here on this and you'll see the same responses.

Thanks, yeah I’ve read them, I was jcurious about Corteco as I haven’t seen any info on it, and they make lots of other seals that are good quality.

[Shonky]

Thanks, yeah I’ve read them, I was jcurious about Corteco as I haven’t seen any info on it, and they make lots of other seals that are good quality.

Well you can be the guinea pig if you like Just come back and let us know how it goes or at least in the next thread where someone asks about it.

[6speedS54]

Well you can be the guinea pig if you like Just come back and let us know how it goes or at least in the next thread where someone asks about it.

if I don't get an answer, I'll do OE 😂, not in the mood to open up the valve cover more than necessary.

[Cronenberged]

Has anyone used this VCG, saw it on FCP, I think currently backordered? do you know if its Buna or Viton, cannot find any information on it. Corteco has not responded on FB either.

Go Corteco or Ehlring. I am currently running the Corteco.

[1000hp]

With a manufacturer whose original oil seals generally start gushing oil at 50k miles, I don't think using aftermarket parts is automatically a downgrade.

Also bear in mind that BMW itself does not manufacture gaskets. All of that stuff is contracted out to someone else. If you're confident in the OE parts, you can probably figure out who made them for BMW and buy directly from that company for half the cost. Or, pick any other reputable aftermarket company and probably get the same result.

I usually add a little film of dreibond to problem areas just in case.

[Obioban]

For the VCG, you will regret anything other than OE BMW. They just leak.

[6speedS54]

For the VCG, you will regret anything other than OE BMW. They just leak.

yep I know, I just saw Corteco for the first time and there is zero info on the rubber type. Its only 20 bucks cheaper than OE, not a big deal, just curious.

[BMWfanz]

yep I know, I just saw Corteco for the first time and there is zero info on the rubber type. Its only 20 bucks cheaper than OE, not a big deal, just curious.

Maybe lock up period ended and Corteco now can sell it on own brand. Maybe Corteco is OEM manufacturer for VCG. As i've tested- Victor Reinz and Elring are leaking in next few weeks after installation (From the side of exhaust cam sensor side)

[Cronenberged]

I don’t think it’s all the seal’s fault here. I tried all three and found that after installing my valve cover with no seals, it was warped, which was affecting the clamping force. This was after torquing everything to the T with an extra 10 in-lbs over BMW’s specification.

I ended up adding an extra washer at every mounting point and have had zero issues since. Additionally, I washed the seal with soap and water and made sure it was thoroughly dry, removing whatever film or dust they treat the seals with. This makes the rubber a bit more raw and slightly tacky, helping it adhere better to the head and cover.

GL OP

[Slideways]

60k mile Victor Reinz VCG from 2012, valve cover last off 3k miles ago.

Once the VR gasket falls apart, I'm very tempted to try a brand new Elring VCG gasket a friend gave me a few years ago. The Elring gasket has some chalky stuff on it similar to what is on new tires (maybe a wax that is flaking off to keep the rubber from degrading), so it might need a good clean before installing it. The gasket itself might not be the problem.