2004 RR Oil in coil/plugs cavity

[HaroldTheBarrel]

Hi there,

I just replaced the spark plugs on my 2004 Range Rover, and found a fair amount of engine oil in the cavity that houses the plugs and ignition coils. This was only on the left side of the engine (when facing the vehicle). Has anyone else experienced this problem, and have you any ideas how it got there?

I also noticed that the paint on the valve covers is peeling. Is this a common issue with the BMW engines, or could it be a sign that the engine has overheated in the past? It hasn't overheated on my watch, but I have had cooling issues, including a burst radiator hose and a cracked expansion tank.

I have 78000 miles on the vehicle. I was also told by the dealer that there is a coolant leak from the valley plate gasket, and oil leaks on the timing cover gaskets. Is this normal for a vehicle of this age?

Thanks in advance for your help,

Andrew

 

[USMC3051]

I have a 04 RR with 90k+ on it, I as well just changed my plugs. You are probably looking at needing a new valve cover gasket, the one you have is bad and oil is leaking through into the plug holes, I need one as well, as for the paint peeling on the valve cover itself its perfectly normal for BMW Engines, I have not encountered a BMW that does not have that peeling on it. I am interested in your coolant leak because my car is leaking as well, i believe its the water pump, do you know where this valley plate gasket is. i hope i could have helped you some with your problems, and do not by parts from the dealer if you are to fix it your self online is much cheaper and is the same parts as the dealer.

 

[HaroldTheBarrel]

Landy Man,

Thanks for the reply. The Valley Plate sits on top of the "V", between the two sides of the engine and underneath the intake manifold. The dealer quoted me $2,640 to replace this and the two timing cover gaskets. Needless to say I will be doing it myself. I have stripped and re-built enough engines to feel comfortable doing this work.

It seems like the oil on the plugs and the valley leak are common issues with the BMW engine. I found this great explanation of how to replace the gasket at http://www.xoutpost.com/article/BMW Valley Pan Gasket.pdf. The car was a BMW, but the engine is the same. The document includes photos of oil-soaked plugs, just like mine!

 

[USMC3051]

yes the cars are almost identical with minor differences, its funny how the name changes the price so much, i just called the dealer for a price on the water pump, they want 300$ + 140$ core charge and then 400$ of labor, i know that the water pump is not that difficult so ill buy it for 150$ at a local shop and do it my self.