Timing cover gaskets

[Cubieman]

I know I may get shit for even asking, but with elring seeming to not be available does anyone know about using the victor rein timing cover gaskets?

I'm not sure if I would even use them considering the amount of work involved but just wanted some opinions anyway.

BMW is about $75 per side, V.R is about $10.

Yes I know not to cheap out here, but sometimes alternatives are fine.

[Slideways]

I'd probably go the Sreten route with the Loctite MR 5923 sealant aid and the VR gaskets. $75 per side is nuts. Video of how it is used (13:43):

[bigjae46]

I think you know the answer. I get it...spending more money on this shit gets old. Are you sure it is the timing cover gaskets?

[Cubieman]

I think you know the answer. I get it...spending more money on this shit gets old. Are you sure it is the timing cover gaskets?

Its more at the seam where the head/timing cover meet.

I have oil that runs back along the underside of the head to the rear of the engine.

So right below the headers is always a fresh bit of oil and you smell it while driving all the time w/ windows down.

Vanos gasket is not leaking, not the tensioner, not the core plug at the front.

My guess is it's leaking at the HG above the timing cover.

[bigjae46]

Its more at the seam where the head/timing cover meet.

I have oil that runs back along the underside of the head to the rear of the engine.

So right below the headers is always a fresh bit of oil and you smell it while driving all the time w/ windows down.

Vanos gasket is not leaking, not the tensioner, not the core plug at the front.

My guess is it's leaking at the HG above the timing cover.

I'd be really surprised if it was the head head gasket unless the timing cover has been removed. BMW's procedure is to R&R the head when removing the timing cover when there is a timing chain overhang built into the head to prevent the head gasket from leaking.

But if the timing cover hadn't been removed then I'd be looking elsewhere. Especially the VANOS if is leaking enough to smell it.

[samthejam]

I would get BMW while it's available, if you plan to have the car for a long time. If the surfaces are clean and it isn't a complex sealing surface so VR is probably fine. But that's a big job, wouldn't want to add any doubt if wallet allows.

[Cubieman]

I'd be really surprised if it was the head head gasket unless the timing cover has been removed. BMW's procedure is to R&R the head when removing the timing cover when there is a timing chain overhang built into the head to prevent the head gasket from leaking.

But if the timing cover hadn't been removed then I'd be looking elsewhere. Especially the VANOS if is leaking enough to smell it.

Its interesting as its always had a leak there. Even after I did the general vanos maintenance, used FIPG gasket maker on the lower left bolt area.

That area IS hard to inspect but with a mirror I can see the vanos gasket seam and it is dry.

I need to try once more to clean/inspect to pinpoint the area, as if I do the timing cover I will not be pulling the head and as mentioned it may not seal.

There is never any oil on the ground, it runs down to the rear of the engine and is more or less evaporated away by the time it is near the bellhousing.

I notice the smell the harder I drive it, for example if I drive it hard then stop at a light (windows down) I smell it more than just regular driving.

[JakeM346]

I know I may get shit for even asking, but with elring seeming to not be available does anyone know about using the victor rein timing cover gaskets?

I'm not sure if I would even use them considering the amount of work involved but just wanted some opinions anyway.

BMW is about $75 per side, V.R is about $10.

Yes I know not to cheap out here, but sometimes alternatives are fine.

Don’t worry a bit. BMW sources a lot of parts from victor reins as oem or oem replacement. So honestly wouldn’t be so sure that you’re gonna get anything else from bmw at the moment than a victor reinz gasket. I used it / it works perfetly/ just don’t forget to properly degrease and use sealant on the specified points & tourque according to the specified order

[bigjae46]

Its interesting as its always had a leak there. Even after I did the general vanos maintenance, used FIPG gasket maker on the lower left bolt area.

That area IS hard to inspect but with a mirror I can see the vanos gasket seam and it is dry.

I need to try once more to clean/inspect to pinpoint the area, as if I do the timing cover I will not be pulling the head and as mentioned it may not seal.

There is never any oil on the ground, it runs down to the rear of the engine and is more or less evaporated away by the time it is near the bellhousing.

I notice the smell the harder I drive it, for example if I drive it hard then stop at a light (windows down) I smell it more than just regular driving.

Have you tried UV dye in the oil? I wouldn't routinely use it but if you're trying to hunt down a leak it can help.

[Cubieman]

Have you tried UV dye in the oil? I wouldn't routinely use it but if you're trying to hunt down a leak it can help.

I may try that, or some of that spray on "chalk" type leak finder.

I am almost wondering if my vanos line has a pinhole, but I also have oil on the D.S of the head, approximately where the uppermost timing chain guide bolt is, but up on top of the block.

Could be if the OFHG is leaking from the top and the vanos line has a leak as well I may find oil in these areas.

The vanos line is quite wet on the mounting tab>timing cover, then oil down the vanos line to the spot where it turns from solid>rubber flex line.

Like you say, cleaning a oil leak dection fluids are likely the next step.

[George Hill]

Not uncommon for the headgasket to weep oil out the exhaust side surface.

[bigjae46]

I may try that, or some of that spray on "chalk" type leak finder.

I am almost wondering if my vanos line has a pinhole, but I also have oil on the D.S of the head, approximately where the uppermost timing chain guide bolt is, but up on top of the block.

Could be if the OFHG is leaking from the top and the vanos line has a leak as well I may find oil in these areas.

The vanos line is quite wet on the mounting tab>timing cover, then oil down the vanos line to the spot where it turns from solid>rubber flex line.

Like you say, cleaning a oil leak dection fluids are likely the next step.

OFH gasket is a very likely culprit

[Cubieman]

Not uncommon for the headgasket to weep oil out the exhaust side surface.

From all I can tell that it whats going on here unfortunately, will definitely make more of an effort before pulling the timing cover, especially since I will not be pulling the head which may be risky.

I did the timing chains/tensioners on this Audi V6 a few years back, the HG's sealed with a small amount of drei bond or similar and no reported leaks so I feel OK about doing it that way on the M3.

[PSUEng]

Get some Toyota FIPG, highly rated.

[Cubieman]

Get some Toyota FIPG, highly rated.

One of my faves, cheaper then drei bond and comes in a better format than keeps longer, dont like that drei bond over-sized syringe setup.