Felix
New member
Hello everyone ，Has anyone ever had a cylinder head leak ，it is located below the cylinder，and What's the solution？
Thankyou！
Thankyou！
Engine cylinder head problem？
- Thread starter Felix
- Start date
Scott Semone
Well-known member
I haven't experienced any leaking; perhaps, maybe check that the valve cover is properly torqued and the gasket is in good shape.
David R
Well-known member
Valve cover gasket...
Inspect, clean and replace if needed.
Its $350.00
David
Inspect, clean and replace if needed.
Its $350.00
David
Scott Semone
Well-known member
That's an expensive piece of rubberized plastic... My BMW service manager said that the gasket doesn't typically need to be replaced as suggested at the 6k mile service interval; depending on your miles, perhaps it's time for new...
That's $700 for two gaskets... crazy...
I would take the cover off, and check for the point of leak which could be at the bottom of the cylinder head. I would inspect the gasket and if no visible damage or anything else then put everything back together to the correct torque. Chances are the leak is being caused by a part that was not tightened correctly.
Ulrich
Well-known member
Did you just do a valve service? ... mine drool just a bit after a valve service .. I think it is oil that 'hides' a bit around the gaskets after and then eventually gravity makes it collect down there ... I wipe it off and it doesn't come back ... just my 2¢ 
Good shout 
I second this.
I would also take the gasket off and do a thorough cleaning with some dishwashing soap (the degreasing type) to ensure that ZERO oil residue remains. Even use some brake cleaner on a shop towel and clean up the cylinder head surface to remove any oily residue there as well. The gasket should not be slippery to the touch after degreasing, it should "grab" your finger like a tire tread if you drag your finger across the surface.
Then, with both surfaces 100% oil-free, tighten the gasket back down to factory tolerances...maybe a "little" bit more snug but not excessive.
Take care of the problem now and you'll save yourself a headache later
Mike
anglojaxon
New member
Take it off, clean it, check it and put it back on with the correct torque value. Pray to the lord of fire.
I agree with Scott has anyone been in at the tappets recently
I recently adjusted my valve clearance and practiced what I preached here.I second this.
I would also take the gasket off and do a thorough cleaning with some dishwashing soap (the degreasing type) to ensure that ZERO oil residue remains. Even use some brake cleaner on a shop towel and clean up the cylinder head surface to remove any oily residue there as well. The gasket should not be slippery to the touch after degreasing, it should "grab" your finger like a tire tread if you drag your finger across the surface.
Then, with both surfaces 100% oil-free, tighten the gasket back down to factory tolerances...maybe a "little" bit more snug but not excessive.
Take care of the problem now and you'll save yourself a headache later
Mike
Works like a charm (obviously). The practice of using degreasing soap on gaskets is something I do for valve cover gaskets and any other "reusable" gaskets (e.g. transmission pan gaskets). Oil has capillary action, so if there's a gasket barrier that is soaked in oil, the oil WILL find a way outside the gasket. This capillary action is prevented by using a degreased gasket, thus keeping the oil on the right side of said gasket material.
Mike
R18 100
Active member
Earlier it was said that a valve cover gasket was $350. That can't be right.
Ulrich
Well-known member
It does say 'set' and 'covers'
Still ... a bit over the top (IMO) for some gaskets!!
Still ... a bit over the top (IMO) for some gaskets!!
fleabag
Active member
This has been my experience.Did you just do a valve service? ... mine drool just a bit after a valve service .. I think it is oil that 'hides' a bit around the gaskets after and then eventually gravity makes it collect down there ... I wipe it off and it doesn't come back ... just my 2¢