[xjackhunter]

Hey guys,
I'm currently in the process of replacing the valve cover gasket on my 2008 BMW 335i. I have begun removing the bolts for the valve cover, and 2 of them have come out of their "sleeves" in the plastic part of the valve cover. (See pics attached if you don't know what I'm trying to say) My question is, can I just slide them back in and reinstall the valve cover normally, or am I going to have to bite the bullet and buy a whole new valve cover and be car-less for a week?
Thanks!

[xjackhunter]

Also, my apologies for the less than stellar typing. I'm on mobile and covered in sweat and grease lol.

[TheMidnightNarwhal]

Yeah you should be fine to put them back in. But I would've just advised to change the whole cover if it's original or old.

[xjackhunter]

Originally Posted by TheMidnightNarwhal

Yeah you should be fine to put them back in. But I would've just advised to change the whole cover if it's original or old.

Thanks for the prompt reply.
I'm hindsight I shouldn't have been a cheapskate and just bought a whole new valve cover.

[TheMidnightNarwhal]

Originally Posted by xjackhunter

Thanks for the prompt reply.
I'm hindsight I shouldn't have been a cheapskate and just bought a whole new valve cover.

Yeah, I did the same with gasket only first time and noticed it was still leaking. I then found crack 2 weeks later in cover so did it again. Job is easy though so no big deal but I lost like ~ 70$ for gasket and shipping and all that.

Don't know if it cracked because of stress in removal or what but yeah. Also if cover is old the internal pcv stuff maybe alal gunked up.

[xjackhunter]

Welp. Valve cover was cracked anyways. I'm now irritated but at least I'll get the satisfaction of putting a brand new one on lol.

[320IN54]

Those bolts were easily pulled out when I did my old valve cover but saw that the new bolts stayed inside the new valve cover. Idk if that has anything to do with how well the cover was sealing but it could be a sign for a new cover.

[xjackhunter]

Originally Posted by 320IN54

Those bolts were easily pulled out when I did my old valve cover but saw that the new bolts stayed inside the new valve cover. Idk if that has anything to do with how well the cover was sealing but it could be a sign for a new cover.

I just ordered a new one from Uro on ECS. Hopefully it arrives soon.

[clegg]

Be sure to install an upgraded pcv valve in there.

[Soden82]

I was going to say you're better off buying an aluminum one for a few hundred more $$ to ensure it doesn't crack ever again

[TheMidnightNarwhal]

Originally Posted by Soden82

I was going to say you're better off buying an aluminum one for a few hundred more $$ to ensure it doesn't crack ever again

Aluminum one is still going to get gunked up inside. FCP lifetime warranty original part is best way to go it imo.

[mweisdorfer]

Originally Posted by TheMidnightNarwhal

Aluminum one is still going to get gunked up inside. FCP lifetime warranty original part is best way to go it imo.

Two ways to look at it.

One, pay a couple hundred more for an aluminum one and not worry about it cracking ever again. However, the gasket will leak again at some point; it just depends how long. If you used Ultra Black in conjunction with an OEM gasket, it will be 90 to 100,000 miles I bet

Two, pay $400.00 for an OEM cover, get the lifetime warranty, but after 100,000 miles it will leak and the idea of it cracking again after 100k is a distinct possibility.

Either way, your either gonna change out a gasket or a gasket and a cover.