Unofficialbmw.com

m78 · Posted: Wed May 16, 2012 9:34 am Post subject: cleaning valve cover

what cleanser should I use?

are there some to completely avoid ?

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Lachssilber Metallic 203 1988 325i sedan with 200,xxx miles

Top Speed 220 km/h

(OO=00=OO)

85-325e · Joined: 30 Jun 2002 Posts: 4712 Location: Southampton, NY

I used degreaser and elbow grease. Of course, it's MUCH easier to do it with the cover outside of the car. After I was done, I hosed it down completely, inside and out, blwe it out with some compressed air, and let it dry for a day or two (it's a very dry climate here so it dried nicely).
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Cosmo - 1985 BMW 325e, Single Owner, 265,000+ ORIGINAL miles and still going strong! But now on the East Coast and the salt air corrosion is eating my beautiful car alive... Sad

m78 · Posted: Wed May 16, 2012 2:46 pm Post subject:

any particular brand that is better than others?

I've read about and seen some that do not do well with aluminum.

I have some greased Lightening, but not sure if it's ok with aluminum.

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Lachssilber Metallic 203 1988 325i sedan with 200,xxx miles

Top Speed 220 km/h

(OO=00=OO)

idanity · Joined: 21 May 2005 Posts: 3097 Location: N.W.U.S.A.

i use sand paper on mine...to the point of polish.
but yeah, its alloy, its pretty durable...if you want the nastiest, meanest stuff.

remove it from the car (as stated above)
use:
brake cleaner
or
acetone
and a brass brush. (gloves and goggles recomended)
Smile

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tncean · Joined: 26 Feb 2005 Posts: 1652 Location: Chattanooga, Tn.

Have read some folks use oven cleaner. Let soak overnight. Reported to help rid the cosmoline.
t

smithpatrick · Joined: 05 Nov 2007 Posts: 44 Location: Southern New Jersey

degrease valve, I use cheapo kerosene. $3.50 per gallon
then wire-wheel the oxide off, I keep one on an old washing machine motor.
then brillo and joy to remove any trace of oil. must be completely oil free, no finger prints. paint will not adheare
sun dry.
paint with rustoleum appliance epoxide paint 2 colors only black or tan. $ 5.00 per can
I have even used this approch on bmw motorcycle cylinders
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5 e30's 84, 87, 3 90's
4 Boxer motorcycles R75/5, 2 R60/6, and a R90/6
1995 e36 320i auto euro specs from canada, 98 323i auto
2001 e46 325i manual

m78 · Posted: Sat May 19, 2012 2:15 pm Post subject:

I don't want to paint it, just clean it.

this will never be a show car, but since I'm going to replace the valve cover gasket, I think I'll put my original cover back on and see if that helps my oil leak.

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_________________
Lachssilber Metallic 203 1988 325i sedan with 200,xxx miles

Top Speed 220 km/h

(OO=00=OO)