cam cover removal

[johnono]

i just need to double check, if i remove said cover , do i need a new gasket. considering doing the clearences myself, looks very staight forward ,(absolute mastery by Sir patchton ) so i just want to check

nice one peeps

[Toby_Unna]

you're supposed to but i've had the covers off both my bmws numerous times to do the clearances and never used a new gasket, no problems whatsoever with oil seepage.

do those clearances carefully or you'll be doing them again the next day!

[E30Adam]

Yeah if your head is dry, don't worry about a new gasket, I've only changed mine once.

As Tony says, be very very careful how you do them of you will be doing them again!

[johnono]

nice one toby

[Toby_Unna]

it's not 'difficult' but you need to take your time and do each clearance exactly right, then go through 'em to check... i'm happy to have a go at most jobs on a car but i haven't the patience to do valve clearances well, i never get them all perfect the first time because i end up rushing.

also worth mentioning that 12-valve bmw sixes are a little tappety even when adjusted right - i often want to open mine up after doing the clearances because i think it sounds ticky, when in fact it sounds like it should and i find all the clearances are spot-on. if you do them too tight it'll sound quieter but you'll burn the valves because they're not closing fast enough.

and my name's toBy!

[johnono]

cheers toBy i know theres noise from the injectors also, but i know the clearences havent been done in a good 6-7 years and i want to get her up to scratch