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Oil in rocker box
Posted: Fri Apr 07, 2006 2:10 pm
by DazzyA
Bit of an ongoing problem this one. Took the rocker cover off today, run engine and ther is shed loads of oil coming in from somewhere. The spray bar wasn't really working so took off, cleaned and refitted. Still the same problem. I would say within seconds of starting the engine there is at least a 5mm covering. The worst place is right at the front between the head and the first set of head bolt's, there is a little gap there and the oil is coming up over the top, some running down the outside of the head. The rear is the same, but not as bad.
Has anybody ever come across a similar problem or have any ideas what the cause is.
thanks.
Posted: Fri Apr 07, 2006 2:26 pm
by smithy318i
Im confused. You WANT oil in there for to cover the rockers.
isn't is supposed to do that?
Posted: Fri Apr 07, 2006 2:39 pm
by DazzyA
I don't know, it seems a hell of a lot. I've been getting lots of oil in my air filter, tb and afm. I thought the spray bar was the only method of lubricating the rockers?
Posted: Fri Apr 07, 2006 2:40 pm
by Geeman
Bit of an ongoing problem this one.
I would hope so!
I'm confused as to what your problem is... oil in the rocker is good, no?
That's like saying... "Oh no, there's loads of water in my radiator..."
Posted: Fri Apr 07, 2006 2:43 pm
by DazzyA
So there's no such thing as too much oil in there? Why would I be getting so much oil through the inlet system?
Posted: Fri Apr 07, 2006 2:45 pm
by Widge
How much is loads of oil in the inlet system?? Cos there will always be more in there than you think. And it doesn't relly affect the running of the system.
Posted: Fri Apr 07, 2006 2:51 pm
by E30BeemerLad
is the breather pipe that goes from the rocker cover to the inlet plenum blocked?
Posted: Fri Apr 07, 2006 2:52 pm
by DazzyA
I fitted a ITG filter about 3 weeks ago and the bottom of it is sodden. When I put a BBTB on the pipe from there to the afm was coated, a couple of sheets of kitchen towel worth.
Posted: Fri Apr 07, 2006 2:54 pm
by DazzyA
breather pipe's ok, I got a new one from BM a little while back. Never actually check it though.
Posted: Fri Apr 07, 2006 2:55 pm
by E30BeemerLad
don't know if the pics on this thread, which concentrate on the rocker cover and have a pic of it removed are of any help
edit: link
http://www.e30zone.co.uk/modules.php?na ... highlight=
Posted: Fri Apr 07, 2006 3:04 pm
by DazzyA
the underneath of my rocker looks the same as the one on the right in the picture. I guess the oil would drain away with time, but I have pools on the exhaust side.
Maybe I'm just paranoid. There's always been something wrong with the car since I got her, so I'm assuming this is the next thing

Posted: Fri Apr 07, 2006 3:47 pm
by Widge
Every car just about (of this age) that I have taken the inlet side apart has a couple of towels worht of oil in it. But the filer being sodden doesn't sound right. If the pipe was blocked Lee the inlet side of things would be as clean as a whistle.