Valve Gasket Job Cost?

[socalguy]

the check engine light came on and i took it to my mechanic and the computer they use said that cylinders 4,5,6 are misfiring. He thinks it could be the valve gaskt letting oil in.

So how much should this cost and could this possibly another problem?

Note: recently after the check engine light came on i did lose power in 4th and 5th gear especially 5th during higher speeds 109+ seems to struggle...

[Speedy-325is]

uhhhhh, I just did this on a 93 325i and charged the lady $175 cuz she was really nice, but the shop charges a bit more.

where in socal are you?
what does your guy charge? Maybe we can do it for less.

Mark

[socalguy]

yes i am in so cal... but does this sound right, and is this an indication that i may need a new valve gasket?

[egk2]

I did mine myself, time consuming but easy... Here's a helpful article if you are interested.

http://www.pelicanparts.com/bmw/techarticl...Valve-Cover.htm

[93 325i]

It could be causing your problem, but if your valve cover gasket is leaking you have to replace that anyways..Plus I'd replace the spark plugs while your at it..

[victorgallas]

Originally posted by 93 325i@Jan 17 2005, 09:14 AM
It could be causing your problem, but if your valve cover gasket is leaking you have to replace that anyways..Plus I'd replace the spark plugs while your at it..

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also it misfires because a leake valve cover lets oil to go into the spark plug recess, fills it with oil and so no spark action, misfires.. all that jazz.
please, get the part on internet, 30 for the set, a wrench set and go for it. this is an easy job, did this myself first thing when i got the car.. not hard, very easy, look for articles on the net if you need.

i do recommend that you use some tools that have a magnet tip, just to prevent screws form falling into engine, otherwise you're screwed...

but its no hard job.

please dont lay 200 on a shop that is an easy money for them

[fredo 328]

very easy and fun to do, definitely change out the plugs when you do it. I bought everything I needed from BavAuto, unfortunately for me I had a warped valve cover so it was a little more frustrating than it should've been.The pelican DIY site is good to use.

[victorgallas]

Originally posted by fredo 328@Jan 18 2005, 08:49 PM
very easy and fun to do, definitely change out the plugs when you do it. I bought everything I needed from BavAuto, unfortunately for me I had a warped valve cover so it was a little more frustrating than it should've been.The pelican DIY site is good to use.

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How can the valve cover be warped???

i just want to knwo how can that happen. and how it looks like, thnaks

[fredo 328]

Originally posted by victorgallas+Jan 18 2005, 08:08 PM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(victorgallas @ Jan 18 2005, 08:08 PM)</div><div class='quotemain'><!--QuoteBegin-fredo 328@Jan 18 2005, 08:49 PM
very easy and fun to do, definitely change out the plugs when you do it. I bought everything I needed from BavAuto, unfortunately for me I had a warped valve cover so it was a little more frustrating than it should've been.The pelican DIY site is good to use.

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How can the valve cover be warped???

i just want to knwo how can that happen. and how it looks like, thnaks

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[/b][/quote]

I only found out after I replaced the vcg and it still leaked. I tried resetting the gasket a couple of times, even put in another new gasket and it still leaked. I was told that it was probably a warped cover, which apparantly sometimes happens with m52s. I am not sure how common it actually is since I've done tons of searches on this and other forums and didnt find much. I actually was able to fix the leak without having to get a new VC. I wouldnt worry too much about it though since it doesnt seem to be that common. Just remember to loosen the bolts in a criss cross pattern and then tighten them in a criss cross. There isnt a bolt tightening sequence available in the Bently so I just followed the same sequence as you would use for a head gasket. Again, the Pelican diy is really good.
-Remember the grounds
-definitely get the kit that has new bolts as well as the sparkplug hole gaskets (BavAuto)
-you need a torque wrench to torque the bolts to 89 in lbs
-a little hi temp sealant where the vanos is connected, pelican explains
-be very careful when screwing in the plugs not to cross thread
-be very careful not to accidently drop anything into the sparkplug holes

Otherwise it actually is a very fun job, especially when you finally see the cam shaft in all its glory.