Oil leak likely from valve cover gasket

richardodn · 07-23-2022, 10:11 AM

2012 N55 with around 80-85k miles on it

I've got an oil leak that I suspect is from the valve cover. The only substantial leakage occurs while driving the car. Oil ends up dripping on the catalyst and making annoying under hood smoke. I don't really see any spotting on the ground. Does my suspicion sound correct or is there a different likely cause?

Assuming I'm doing a gasket replacement, any other recommended "while I'm in there" jobs? I've already done plugs and coils last November. I don't think there are any issues with the oil filter housing gasket, but I'll inspect again before ordering parts.

Thanks

Wgosma · 07-23-2022, 10:41 AM

If you have the original serpentine belt and the belt's pulley/tensioner assembly still in place I consider changing them as a preventative maint. item to add to your shortlist (was able to change belt on my 2012 N52 motor w/o removing fan shroud or anything else, helpful to have modest sized hands!).
Good luck/Bill

383vett · 07-23-2022, 11:46 AM

Those are the correct symptoms. Smoking on the right side near the converter. It's pretty easy to diagnose. Clean the area below the valve cover with Brakekleen and a cloth. Check it the next day and you should be able to pinpoint the leak. I did my valve cover on my 2012 N55 two years ago at around 80k. Youtube will show you the steps.

richardodn · 07-23-2022, 12:46 PM

Thanks guys. Good call on the belt. Assuming the OFHG isn't having significant issues, I'll probably hold off on it until the weather cools off.

07-23-2022, 10:11 AM	#1
richardodn First Lieutenant 160 Rep 350 Posts Drives: '12 X3 35iX/'20 440ix cabrio Join Date: Dec 2018 Location: Denver, CO iTrader: (0)	Oil leak likely from valve cover gasket 2012 N55 with around 80-85k miles on it I've got an oil leak that I suspect is from the valve cover. The only substantial leakage occurs while driving the car. Oil ends up dripping on the catalyst and making annoying under hood smoke. I don't really see any spotting on the ground. Does my suspicion sound correct or is there a different likely cause? Assuming I'm doing a gasket replacement, any other recommended "while I'm in there" jobs? I've already done plugs and coils last November. I don't think there are any issues with the oil filter housing gasket, but I'll inspect again before ordering parts. Thanks __________________ 1986 Delphin 528e - Roof rack equipped lumber hauler. 2008 Platinum-Beige X3 3.0si - Current project 2012 Alpine White X3 xDrive35i - My new snowmobile. 2020 Estoril Blue 440i xDrive cabrio w/MPPSK - This car is a blast to drive.
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07-23-2022, 10:41 AM	#2
Wgosma Lieutenant Colonel 806 Rep 1,906 Posts Drives: 2012 F25 X3 28i (N52) Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: Northern Nevada iTrader: (0)	If you have the original serpentine belt and the belt's pulley/tensioner assembly still in place I consider changing them as a preventative maint. item to add to your shortlist (was able to change belt on my 2012 N52 motor w/o removing fan shroud or anything else, helpful to have modest sized hands!). Good luck/Bill
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07-23-2022, 11:46 AM	#3
383vett Major 626 Rep 1,044 Posts Drives: 2018 X3 M40i, 2012 X3 Xdrive35 Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Moraga, California iTrader: (0)	Those are the correct symptoms. Smoking on the right side near the converter. It's pretty easy to diagnose. Clean the area below the valve cover with Brakekleen and a cloth. Check it the next day and you should be able to pinpoint the leak. I did my valve cover on my 2012 N55 two years ago at around 80k. Youtube will show you the steps. __________________ 2016 Z06 Vette, 10.53@132 1984 Vette, 406, 10.23@131 2021 SQ5
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07-23-2022, 12:46 PM	#4
richardodn First Lieutenant 160 Rep 350 Posts Drives: '12 X3 35iX/'20 440ix cabrio Join Date: Dec 2018 Location: Denver, CO iTrader: (0)	Thanks guys. Good call on the belt. Assuming the OFHG isn't having significant issues, I'll probably hold off on it until the weather cools off. __________________ 1986 Delphin 528e - Roof rack equipped lumber hauler. 2008 Platinum-Beige X3 3.0si - Current project 2012 Alpine White X3 xDrive35i - My new snowmobile. 2020 Estoril Blue 440i xDrive cabrio w/MPPSK - This car is a blast to drive.
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