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Is this vcg leak?
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04-07-2021, 11:09 AM | #1 |
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Is this vcg leak?
So i did an oil change this weekend and cleaned abit of the engine and looked around and didnt see anything like leaks, but i didnt inspect carefully just a quick glance.. then went for a cruise, and everything was fine until yesterday morning i noticed a very small amount of oil smell in car for a min and went away and didnt smell it until today after work i smelt abit of it again in traffic, so i checked under the hood about an hour later when i got home and looked around and saw some wet spots, its definitely leaking isnt it? It looks like a slow leak though. Does the oil filter housing look ok? Or does it look like it needs replacing too? Btw im in the ottawa, ontario area, so if anyone here knows a good mech i can go to id appreciate it alot. Honestly having some family problems at home, been hectic with surgery in the family, just not the time to now. I wish i had time cause i can do the oil filter housing myself, but definitely not the vcg I dont wanna tackle it atm, especially for my first time.
Thanks. Ive attached pics. https://postimg.cc/gallery/sygPtf2 |
04-08-2021, 08:56 AM | #2 |
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It looks like the beginning of an issue, it doesn't require immediate action but you will smell burning oil until it's been addressed. I would do the VGC, OFHG and upgrade to the Mickey Mouse flange before it fails.
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04-09-2021, 08:26 PM | #3 |
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Ok cool, thanks. I will have a shop do the vcg, but ofhg ill do myself and whats the mickey mouse flange lol
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04-10-2021, 09:16 AM | #4 | |
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The flange/hose combo is usually sold as one unitary piece, but if your hose is otherwise in good condition, most people recommend just replacing the flange itself with a milled aluminum replacement. This is easy, and excellent insurance against an unexpected future pain in the ass situation, and is well within the capability of those with modest mechanical ability. I used this particular one: https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...o-technologies Realoem.com is your friend for identifying parts. In the pictures below, the hose/flange combo is #7
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Last edited by E93Dude; 04-13-2021 at 07:43 PM.. |
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04-13-2021, 07:21 PM | #5 | |
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04-13-2021, 07:22 PM | #6 |
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Ok guys so i decided to open the cover today since i bought leds to replace the halogen angel bulbs. Anyways i was surprised these bulbs have never been changed, even the warranty sticker is still intact until i opened it today lol. But BMW wdf how did they allow qc to pass the crimp on this pin.. wow.. the insulation is sticking out.. i know its covered with a seal, but i wrapped electrical tape around it anyways..
so after that i started on the cover, the bolt inside was a pita to get.. i had to use the hex socket and had vise pliers holding it sideways under that tight spot and loosened it just enough to where i could loosen it by hand.. anyways finally got it off.. First thing i checked was if any leaks around the valvetronic, how does it look to you guys? Also what really pissed me off and i think i found the problem to the oil leaks.. so im pretty sure the mechanic the dealer sent me to left it loose on purpose cause he kept telling me "please call me if anything happens my friend" he repeated that nonstop, shouldve known something was up, something was telling me and i had a gut feeling aswell it was telling me maybe check the bolts holding the gasket they could be loose.. and of course i checked today and honest to god im not exaggerating, the torxs bolt on the corner had about 3 turns left until it felt snug.. and others felt like they were hand tightened.. what the f is that.. im pretty sure the mechanic did that on purpose so id call and come back and he'd charge me $$$ saying i need to replace the vcg.. but i wiped off any oil around the engine and whatever else i could after tightening the bolts, also left the cover off so itll be easier to check tomorrow if i see any leaks. But seriously?.. first 2 weeks i owned the car i didnt smell oil like this, and conveniently i do smell it here and there after i get the car back, and today i check it and they're loose.. insanity.. thats why i dont trust alot of mechanics.. so hard to find a honest one.. also one of the clips on the vanos is missing.. and does anyone know why the outter ring isnt lit up as much? Seems like the halogens light up both angel rings better |
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04-13-2021, 07:55 PM | #7 |
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So, I can't speak about the potential for your mechanic to be a lying sack of sh!t, but I think it speaks to the more important issue: to the extent you are handy with a wrench, are patient, and are willing to research, you are your own best mechanic for a whole range of projects. Mechanics leaving bolts out or not torquing them properly is a common lazy move when you have someone else doing the work who is a little too concerned with getting out by 5pm... If you do it yourself, you have that surety, peace of mind. That said, there are some jobs that I will just never do, like dropping a transmission and fixing my rear main seal. There is always a place for a good, reputable mechanic.
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04-13-2021, 09:53 PM | #8 | |
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04-13-2021, 10:20 PM | #9 | |
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The parts store FCPEuro also has some really excellent DIY videos on their website and YT.
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04-15-2021, 08:01 PM | #10 |
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I did the VCG a few months ago and it’s just a matter of being organized, going through the steps and double checking your work. While you’re at it, I would do a little cleaning and take pride in saving yourself about $1k.
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04-16-2021, 07:37 PM | #11 | |
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04-16-2021, 07:39 PM | #12 |
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I agree, thats my fear of not having everything back together how it was or miss something and have to remove abunch of stuff is whats pulling me back, but still not enough to not give it a try, definitely some cleaning and plugs if needed to be done. I mean might aswell put in fresh plugs while im at it. Appreciate it
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04-16-2021, 10:43 PM | #13 |
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Here is why I say fixing the VCG is really not as bad as some folks make it out to be. BLOT...everything you are working on is on top of the engine. Its easy to get at. You are not having to dive deep into the engine bay, scraping your knuckles or standing at an awkward angle straining your back. You don't have to get under the car, or jack it up. Once you have the plastic engine cover off, you are removing the stainless steel fuel lines, spark plug coils, vacuum lines and a wiring harness. Then there are the +/- 26 bolts securing the VCG. Its not an especially quick job, but it is also not beyond an afternoon's work by a first timer working at a reasonable pace, with time to take a break here and there. Even at 40F. I am originally from Texas, so I really don't want to hear any Canadians bitching about working in that kind of weather. Man up, eh...
Watch the video.
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04-16-2021, 10:59 PM | #14 |
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Secret tip: Your filter cowl works excellently as an accessible tray
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04-17-2021, 09:34 AM | #15 | |
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04-17-2021, 10:28 AM | #16 |
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Oh definitely, I always make sure it's secure before I start putting stuff on there
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04-17-2021, 07:00 PM | #17 | |
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04-17-2021, 07:01 PM | #18 |
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04-18-2021, 09:13 PM | #19 | |
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04-20-2021, 12:28 AM | #20 | |
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04-20-2021, 04:57 AM | #21 |
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I used a swivel head with wobble extensions. The wobble gives you that just needed extra room when your frustrated in hour 4+ and you just want to get finished lol
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