maintainance questions: gaskets, o-rings, crush washers, etc

[DonaldLL]

My '02R has 18K miles on it and I am doing some routine maintainence. I have a few questions that I thought I might pose to the board to see what opinions are out there:

How often do you replace your valve cover gaskets? Do you replace the round one also?

When you replace your fuel filter, do you replace anything else like the big o-ring or replace the hose clamps? Crimp-on or screw-on type?

When you change your final drive, tranny, and crankcase fluids... do you replace the washers?

Do you replace your spark plugs on schedule, i.e. 12000 miles or do you go beyond.


Thanks in advance

Donald

[BMWkidd]

How often do you replace your valve cover gaskets? Do you replace the round one also?

Mine just turned 24,000 miles. I don't see the need to replace the gaskets.

When you replace your fuel filter, do you replace anything else like the big o-ring or replace the hose clamps? Crimp-on or screw-on type?

Maybe I should repalce the fuel flter. But I don't see the need to do it.

When you change your final drive, tranny, and crankcase fluids... do you replace the washers?

Yes. When you buy the BMW oil filter, all washers come with it in a packet.

Do you replace your spark plugs on schedule, i.e. 12000 miles or do you go beyond.

Yes. But I have not touched the small plugs yet.

Ride Safe!
Paul

[Boxer]

Donald, those valve cover gaskets will last for a while, but eventually I'd change them out. Also the little rubber one up inside. If you look at the flat side upon reinsertion you'll see the indentation on it. Just spin it so a smooth new surface is on that piece of metal that makes the indentation in the rubber. It will also need to be replaced after a few valve adjustments...or if it gets torn. Check it each time to see if its cracked or torn.

The fuel filter needs to be done on schedule! And the first one probably doesn't require the new o-ring. Also change out the crimp-on clamps for the fuel-injection screw-on clamps. They are easier to put on anyway, and work better IMO.

The final drive and tranny have crush washers too, but I only replace them about every other change-out. Ditto on the engine oil plug.

You will find others who are religious about using new crush washers, but the way I see it, if it doesn't leak, its fine.

[FGanger]

Amen to Boxer's advice. On the spark plugs, I generally go WAY MORE miles then BMW suggests.

A Note on Spark Plugs:

The only difference between putting in a new plug and a used plug is the amount of torque you exert.

A good rule-of-thumb is when installing new spark plugs, turn them until they just start to tighten and then 1/4 turn more to crush the washer. When using a plug (new or used) with a used washer, everything is the same EXCEPT one only turns it 1/8 (half of a quarter) more. By the by, if one is using a plug which does not require a gasket, the 1/8 factor is used.

Now understand there is nothing wrong with replacing plugs everyday, excepting the work and the cost that is. When/if my machine starts or act up, I will check the plugs. Act up = fuel mileage starts to go down, rough idle, etc.

Frank

[boxermania]

Boxer for Prezz....bring out the shine!!!

[DonaldLL]

Thanks guys for the response. I figured it was about time to replace the washers on the next fluid(s) change. I too believe if it doen't leak why bother but then I thought they must put those washers in there for some reason. Ditto on the valve cover gaskets.

Thanks again

Boxer,

I am in Miami now (was in Houston) wanting to take a cruise on up the east side. Maybe you can give me some guidance when the time comes.