Problem With Removing Valve Cover

KalebZ · 12-06-2014, 09:31 PM

I've had a leak on my 2006 325i for a while and recently learned that it was coming from the valve cover. I had a few free hours today so I figured I'd go ahead and knock it out but I ran into a problem
I've watched all the videos i can find and have read all the threads i can find and can not find anything on the problem I'm having

Everything is disconnected and the valve cover is loose but it will not come out. It is hitting a metal line that runs from the passenger side of the motor across the top of the firewall to the drivers side of the engine bay. No matter how I twist or wiggle the valve cover, the back left(passenger side) of the valve cover gets caught on the line and will not come out (been working at it all day)

Needless to say I'm a bit frustrated but figured this would be a good place to turn.

(also one of the valve cover bolts was broken off, can I just use a screw removal tool to get it out?

123Britt · 12-07-2014, 09:32 AM

Not sure the line you are referring to but I remember lifting up the VC a 1/4 inch and then sliding if fwd then up and out. Yes a simple extractor tool will do the trick. Make sure you have a torque wrench and follow a strict pattern when tightening the VC bolts. I also recommend that you get some HONDABOND Sealant for the half-moon and corner locations of the VC when replacing. Also, make sure that the VC & engine is cleaned properly on reinstall. HAVE FUN!

PichaDis11 · 12-07-2014, 11:00 AM

The only thing that I can think of that resembles your description is the strut brace or bar.

You will need an E12 and an E16 socket. Don't quote me on those they might be a bit larger sizes. Use a flat head screw driver to open the cap beneath the center of the windshield. the other screw is to the other end of the bar

KalebZ · 12-07-2014, 01:58 PM

Its not the strut brace thats off as well as everything else that could be blocking it. I'll try to post a picture of it later on today after i go at it a little bit more. I replaced a valve cover on my old e3^ without any issues but this one has proven to be quite difficult.. probably just circumstantial though. I have high hopes today

PichaDis11 · 12-07-2014, 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KalebZ

Its not the strut brace thats off as well as everything else that could be blocking it. I'll try to post a picture of it later on today after i go at it a little bit more. I replaced a valve cover on my old e3^ without any issues but this one has proven to be quite difficult.. probably just circumstantial though. I have high hopes today

In for pics!

KalebZ · 12-08-2014, 11:43 AM

I figured it out, My motor was sagging due to worn motor mounts so I lifted it and the valve cover came right off. looks like the mounts are next. Thanks for all the help guys!

12-06-2014, 09:31 PM	#1
KalebZ Registered 0 Rep 4 Posts Drives: e90 325i Jet Black Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Gadsden, AL iTrader: (0)	Problem With Removing Valve Cover I've had a leak on my 2006 325i for a while and recently learned that it was coming from the valve cover. I had a few free hours today so I figured I'd go ahead and knock it out but I ran into a problem I've watched all the videos i can find and have read all the threads i can find and can not find anything on the problem I'm having Everything is disconnected and the valve cover is loose but it will not come out. It is hitting a metal line that runs from the passenger side of the motor across the top of the firewall to the drivers side of the engine bay. No matter how I twist or wiggle the valve cover, the back left(passenger side) of the valve cover gets caught on the line and will not come out (been working at it all day) Needless to say I'm a bit frustrated but figured this would be a good place to turn. (also one of the valve cover bolts was broken off, can I just use a screw removal tool to get it out?
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12-07-2014, 09:32 AM	#2
123Britt Captain 289 Rep 864 Posts Drives: 15 M235i AT Join Date: May 2008 Location: Madison, Alabama iTrader: (0)	Vc Removal Is A Pain Not sure the line you are referring to but I remember lifting up the VC a 1/4 inch and then sliding if fwd then up and out. Yes a simple extractor tool will do the trick. Make sure you have a torque wrench and follow a strict pattern when tightening the VC bolts. I also recommend that you get some HONDABOND Sealant for the half-moon and corner locations of the VC when replacing. Also, make sure that the VC & engine is cleaned properly on reinstall. HAVE FUN!
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12-07-2014, 11:00 AM	#3
PichaDis11 Colonel 295 Rep 2,202 Posts Drives: E90 N52 Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: NY iTrader: (3)	The only thing that I can think of that resembles your description is the strut brace or bar. You will need an E12 and an E16 socket. Don't quote me on those they might be a bit larger sizes. Use a flat head screw driver to open the cap beneath the center of the windshield. the other screw is to the other end of the bar __________________ Retrofits: 322, 609, 6FL, 6NR, 6VC, 2TB.. Upgrades: Bilstein B8 Eibach Spring kit
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12-07-2014, 01:58 PM	#4
KalebZ Registered 0 Rep 4 Posts Drives: e90 325i Jet Black Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Gadsden, AL iTrader: (0)	Its not the strut brace thats off as well as everything else that could be blocking it. I'll try to post a picture of it later on today after i go at it a little bit more. I replaced a valve cover on my old e3^ without any issues but this one has proven to be quite difficult.. probably just circumstantial though. I have high hopes today
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12-08-2014, 11:43 AM	#6
KalebZ Registered 0 Rep 4 Posts Drives: e90 325i Jet Black Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Gadsden, AL iTrader: (0)	I figured it out, My motor was sagging due to worn motor mounts so I lifted it and the valve cover came right off. looks like the mounts are next. Thanks for all the help guys!
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