[Explorerlyon]

Replacing the VCG on my 2006 330i. I have everything dissambled and cover off. Looking at it seems putting the gasket on the block first would be easier instead of on the cover. Any reason not to put the gasket on the block then drop the cover on top of the gasket? This is the magnesium cover and the "metallic like" gasket.

[smass]

Putting it on the head side is fine. Many people use a very thin coat of RTV to seal everything up. The thinking is, the factory seal fails so add some RTV to make it stronger. I did mine that way in 2009 and it is still good today.

[lowrydr310]

Originally Posted by Explorerlyon

Replacing the VCG on my 2006 330i. I have everything dissambled and cover off. Looking at it seems putting the gasket on the block first would be easier instead of on the cover. Any reason not to put the gasket on the block then drop the cover on top of the gasket? This is the magnesium cover and the "metallic like" gasket.

All the VCG instructions I've seen were for the plastic cover which said to put the gasket on the cover first, which makes sense because there are recesses to hold the rubber gasket in place.

The metal gasket for the magnesium valve cover is flat, therefore it made more sense to put it on the head first and then install the cover over it. That's what I did and it worked fine. I heard about the RTV but didn't use it, and it's holding up very well with no leaks. If you decide to use it, just remember that you don't need much.

[hassmaschine]

Originally Posted by smassey321

Putting it on the head side is fine. Many people use a very thin coat of RTV to seal everything up. The thinking is, the factory seal fails so add some RTV to make it stronger. I did mine that way in 2009 and it is still good today.

I wouldn't do that personally. The metal cover VCG lasts way longer than the plastic ones IMO - just put it on dry, like the factory did, and make sure everything is really clean. I'd be more worried about something in the RTV reacting with the magnesium than the possibility of an early leak.

As far as putting it on the head first, sure that's fine. I don't know why it would matter.

[Explorerlyon]

Did the gasket on the block. Used very thin bead of Ultra Black on both sides. With the magnesium cover, the gasket has to go in block first. Dont see how it could go on cover first. All done. Hoping for no leaks