Sump Gasket

Post Mon Aug 15, 2011 3:20 pm

I need to swap the oil sump on an M52, the last time I changed a sump (admitedly on an Alfa Romeo) I just used gasket sealing compound and no gasket.

Real OEM and ECP shows a gasket for the M52 but I was thinking about just using compound and no gasket. Has anyone done this/would they reccomend it.

A few Google searches show that sumps can develop leaks when using the gasket. but I've never previously had a leak using compound on other cars so this might be a way to overcome this problem?

The fact that the gasket is £33 and compound is about a tenner is also swaying me.

Cheers.

Post Mon Aug 15, 2011 4:27 pm

Problem is the sump gasket isnt an easy change once the engine is in the car so if it leaks its a pita to sort, do it once do it right!

Understand where your coming from though £33 takes the pish...

Post Mon Aug 15, 2011 4:42 pm

From what I've read the standard gasket isn't leak proof either (but no gasket is), using gasket compound doesn't seem to be the BMW way but Audi, VW, Fiat etc. all seem to use it so its clearly proven. Getting it off again is often the problem.

Post Mon Aug 15, 2011 8:02 pm

I bought my sump gasket from Bmw and it was about £28 inc VAT, can't say I'll be expecting it to fail anytime soon either?

Post Mon Aug 15, 2011 10:38 pm

Same gasket is under £20 from ECP, I always clean both sealing surfaces and then give them a bit of a key with some wet/dry, clean again with thinners then a light smear of silicone gasket on both before fitting the actual gasket.

If it starts to leak in an E30 you will be more than just pl55ed off!

Post Tue Aug 16, 2011 8:56 am

DanThe wrote:Same gasket is under £20 from ECP, I always clean both sealing surfaces and then give them a bit of a key with some wet/dry, clean again with thinners then a light smear of silicone gasket on both before fitting the actual gasket.

If it starts to leak in an E30 you will be more than just pl55ed off!

Fair enough, couldn't see one on ECP for £20 for an M52 328i, the one I found was £33. Should I be looking at one for a different engine which is effectively the same but cheaper?

Post Tue Aug 16, 2011 9:22 am

Silicon gasket on sump = blocked oil pick up filter, unless used very sparingly!

Post Tue Aug 16, 2011 6:58 pm

Maybe they put the price up? Not bought one in the last 6 months.

Post Wed Aug 17, 2011 2:15 pm

Brianmoooore wrote:Silicon gasket on sump = blocked oil pick up filter, unless used very sparingly!

That's a good enough reason not to do it then.

Post Wed Aug 17, 2011 7:25 pm

greggers wrote:
Brianmoooore wrote:Silicon gasket on sump = blocked oil pick up filter, unless used very sparingly!
That's a good enough reason not to do it then.

If you follow the BMW fitting instructions you will be using sealer...

Troweling it on in beads is stupidity, and might block the pickup, smearing it on with your finger in correct amounts will not. Small pieces get past the pickup easily and trapped in the filter, it would need to be quite a large chunk to get stuck at the pickup, like 5mm diameter

Post Wed Aug 17, 2011 7:42 pm

Brianmoooore wrote:unless used very sparingly!

I never said don't use any sealer. You know how to apply Dan, and so do I, but I can assure you I've taken off sumps and wondered how any oil got through at all.

Post Wed Aug 17, 2011 8:05 pm

I know you didnt, just looked like the chap assumed you did

Post Wed Aug 17, 2011 8:07 pm

Interesting, but is an ordinary gasket an alright way to go?
Of course ensuirng both surfaces are absolutely clean prior to fitting the gasket and making sure everything is tight.

Post Wed Aug 17, 2011 11:18 pm

redcar wrote:Interesting, but is an ordinary gasket an alright way to go?
Of course ensuirng both surfaces are absolutely clean prior to fitting the gasket and making sure everything is tight.

The standard gasket is steel with a rubber inner edge, a light covering of silicone sealant helps to make sure it is properly sealed.

As doing an M52 swap almost always will involve swapping in an E34 M50 sump, it is always wise practice to replace the sump gasket as you don't want an oil leak from there once it is fitted (as you'll have to either drop the subframe or lift the engine well off the mounts to replace once it is fitted)

Post Thu Aug 18, 2011 7:07 pm

Mine's on using silicone instant gasket only, been okay since 2009. I cleaned both surfaces and used a thin bead. Not too much torque on the bolts, just firm and even (oo er) I've had cars in the past where sealant and no gasket has been the spec so that's what led me to go that way. That plus laziness since I already had some. Can't say if it's the best way or not, just that it's been ok for me...