Just installed new valve cover gaskets, 2007 M45

[Sstupid]

Took me a little under 5 hours. I used the How-To, even though the pics aren’t working, and it is very helpful. About the blue connector on the driver’s side that is mentioned by the author of the How-To: the struggle is real. You can tell the this was installed before the motor was placed in the car. You can get to the connector with your hand but there are two ty-rap fasteners holding the wiring to a bracket and you can’t get cutters in there to cut them. This connector/wiring have to be removed to allow play in the wiring harness to get it out of the way. You have to shove a long screwdriver down there and break off the backs of tHe clips to get the wiring free. I think 40 minutes of the job was wasted on this one connector.

In summation: this is not any easy job. I consider myself to be a very good mechanic and I would rate this job about 6 out of 10 for the dexterity and patience you will need to get this close-quarters job completed. The valve cover bolts are very hard to get in and out of the passenger side, the multiple connectors you have to disconnect are very hard to disconnect and cannot be broken, so care and patience is needed. Some connectors are hard to reach, like the injector connectors. Last but not least, there are many PCV and EVAP lines that have to be disconnected after being on the car for a decade, which means they are hard, brittle, and unforgiving. I had to replace all of the vacuum lines and some of the PCV lines.

With the new lines and experience, I think I could shave an hour off the labor. Have fun if you try this! Don’t have a hammer or crowbar anywhere near you when working.

[Ilya]

I hate those types of jobs where it was clearly a pre-install job at the factory and they somehow expect people (even actual mechanics) to work on the thing without pulling the motor back out. I wish taking a motor in-out was quick, I'd do it for EVERYTHING lol.

[EdBwoy]

I think I know what you're talking about.


I believe one way you can get it is to push that tab away from the head (towards the firewall). The metal mounting tab should bend and allow you to push the clip normally to separate the harness. Idk why it was decided to have the release facing inwards.

Forgive me for the pictures. As usual, they were taken with different goals & objectives.






Another method, is to separate the whole dang thing at the wiring harness by splitting this clip with a flathead etc. Then maybe you can wiggle the valve cover around it... or can get to the wire tie-down a little better.

[Sstupid]

That’s the connector! POS. The two ty-rap tie-downs couldn’t be reached to squeeze them back through that bracket toward the firewall. The connector I did push back toward the firewall to get it unplugged. What a pain.

[FlawleZ]

Just did this job a few weeks back myself. Was tired of the valve covers leaking onto my manifolds. I think it took me about the same amount of time to do mine and although that connector was a PITA, I think that back corner 10mm on the valve cover itself was the biggest pain in the butt. Had to rig up quite the extension+swivel combo and have a lot of patience with it.

Also, I'm 6'5". This killed my back lol

[Sstupid]

YEah, the main reason I tackled this job was to get rid of the awful burned oil smell that would enter the cabin when the auto climate control would switch to “fresh air.”

[FlawleZ]

YEah, the main reason I tackled this job was to get rid of the awful burned oil smell that would enter the cabin when the auto climate control would switch to “fresh air.”

Yes, I know that smell all too well. You could also smell it just outside the car after it had been running for a bit. Glad that is all finally fixed.