westsidebalto

So I finally got around to attempting the upper timing cover and valve cover gasket replacements and....

I'm currently stuck attempting to put the passenger valve cover back onto the engine. I've successfully gotten the cover around the eccentric shaft sensor, but the cover is about 1/4 inches above where it needs to be. I suspect the new spark plug dome tubes are refusing to budge, but other than hammering the valve cover, I'm out of options.

So far I've tried to lightly hammer the cover with a rubber mallet. I've also removed and realigned the valve cover 4 times now, removed the three red plastic guides at the bottom, and put silicone lube on the tube gaskets.

Any suggestions? Thank you.

At this point I'm not sure I have the willpower to attempt the driver's side even if I can get the passenger back on.

westsidebalto

Update: using a rubber mallet and some "pass-through" objects, I was able to hammer the valve cover on enough to get the bolts going. While my spark plug domes were not leaking heavily, it's still worth it to replace them while in their doing the cover.

westsidebalto

Soooo.....I broke the damn Eccentric Shaft Sensor clips while trying to remove the driver's side valve cover. I have since learned it was necessary to remove the air duct panel at the back of the engine bay and have successfully removed the driver's valve cover.

My question is, is there anyway to salvage what's left of the sensor? Perhaps with some super glue? I really don't want to buy a $400 sensor because of a damn clip. As you can see, the clip in the rear is partially intact.

Thoughts?

DanielFD

I've heard of people somehow fastening the connector even with broken clips. Shouldn't be too hard. install the connector and look for someway to keep the connector connected.

ZebraBrains

I'm about to attempt to get my covers back on as well, driver side is giving me a hard time due to the spark plug domes not seating in all the way so I'll have to try it with a rubber mallet.

Question regarding the silicone lubricant. The closest thing I could find is "Specialist Water Resistant Silicone Lubricant Spray" but it's not a grease it's just a liquid. When I pulled my domes off they looked like they were lubed with grease. Should I use something else?

westsidebalto

I imagine that will work. I used a spray clear/white silicone by Permatex and just rubbed it on with my fingers.

I would recommend use of a piece of wood or other object so you aren't directly smashing the valve cover with hammer (it's a $400+ part if it breaks).

ZebraBrains

Okay I've got the spark plug tubes in and the cover seems to be lined up but I can't get it to seat in all the way. Should I just start threading in the bolts and tightening them up until it snaps in? This guy's video is great:


But there's nothing out there explaining how to get it installed properly (aside from tapping it with a mallet).

westsidebalto

Braden's video is great, but be aware he isn't doing it on a 5 series, so the Drivers side is actually harder than he makes it appear.

I used the mallet method with a block of wood. I read elsewhere about a guy doing it on a 6 or 7 series who also used a mallet.

ZebraBrains

Is the valve cover supposed to not line up with the timing cover portion? There's 3 bolts that screw into the timing cover & they don't seem to be

I thought I may have not tightened the bolts down all the way on the timing cover when I was putting it back on after replacing the gasket but I checked the bolts and they're snug, hand tight. someone said they go to 3 ft pounds.

Should I tighten these bolts more?

westsidebalto

Woah! Stop! I don't think your cover is seated yet. Feel inside the spark plug domes. Do you feel a gap between the tube and the valve cover? There should be no gap.

If there is a gap, try to hammer or push the cover in more. Also, check the edge of your cover and make sure the gasket is seated properly. Use a mirror for areas you can't get your finger in.