I need help with a oil leak
Thread Starter
Contributors
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,727
Likes: 3
From: socal
My Ride: 545I and a half dozen other rides
For those remotely interested, here is a picture of the switch. You can see how the old one is leaking out of the connector. Since the connector has a weather tight seal the oil will run out through the wiring, 
making diagnosing a possible pain. In this case the oil came out at a wire junction just over the a/c belt spraying oil everywhere to confuse things more.
And as for using foil as a diagnostic tool I've used it before at the dealer without a problem. Foil will easily tear up if caught in the fan or belts. As you can see in the pictures I did use some tape in some areas where the foil would not mount securely. I'm actually more afraid of the tape as it is stronger and any loose ends can drag what it is attached to into the fan or belts.
making diagnosing a possible pain. In this case the oil came out at a wire junction just over the a/c belt spraying oil everywhere to confuse things more.
And as for using foil as a diagnostic tool I've used it before at the dealer without a problem. Foil will easily tear up if caught in the fan or belts. As you can see in the pictures I did use some tape in some areas where the foil would not mount securely. I'm actually more afraid of the tape as it is stronger and any loose ends can drag what it is attached to into the fan or belts.
I do admire your tenacity. Good job! Thanks for sharing.
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 843
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From: OC, SoCal
My Ride: '05 545i SMG, 35% Tint, LED Angel Eyes
So, which way was easier for you to get to the oil pressure switch to pull it out? From the top after removing the vacuum pump brace or through the bottom? I think I might have this exact problem. 
I thought it was the vacuum pump at first but it's not. I cleaned it thoroughly and there's no evidence of it leaking. I do see a dark gunked up area underneath the pump though. I am going to take care of this on Saturday. Which Kragen did you call? I will see if the dealer stocks it too. I LOVE this forum!!! 
I thought it was the vacuum pump at first but it's not. I cleaned it thoroughly and there's no evidence of it leaking. I do see a dark gunked up area underneath the pump though. I am going to take care of this on Saturday. Which Kragen did you call? I will see if the dealer stocks it too. I LOVE this forum!!!
Thread Starter
Contributors
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,727
Likes: 3
From: socal
My Ride: 545I and a half dozen other rides
It is very hard to see and a clear visual shot is hard. Here is a couple more pictures with the vacuum pump removed.
closer shot
But please be clear that the vacuum pump does not need to be removed to replace this part!
closer shot
But please be clear that the vacuum pump does not need to be removed to replace this part!