Odd M54 CCV Issue.

[ftypical]

The engine in my 330ci has always used a little oil (0.25 litre/k) without any signs of smoke. It has got 180k miles on it though.

A few years ago, following a stuck thermostat, I replaced the CCV valve and pipe work, and found quite a bit of oil in the pipes to the inlet manifold, and some mayonnaise in the old valve. The dipstick tube was clear.

Last month I replaced the seal between the oil filter housing and the block. I have yet to notice any change in oil usage, but when I check the oil level with a cold engine I find the dipstick tube is partially full of oil.

But, wipe the dipstick off, reinsert it and check the level again and it is spot on.

The engine exhibits no CCV valve symptoms. There is some weeping around the cam cover gasket. The VANOS is working well and there are no error codes.

Where/what should I be checking next???

Edited by ftypical on Saturday 17th November 16:06

[d_a_n1979]

Dipstick tube could be blocked, they’re a well known issue

However, if it’s not using oil and sealing properly, I wouldn’t worry about it too much

[Triumph Man]

I can never remember with these - if it sucks on the oil cap is the CCV is it bad or if there is no suction on the oil cap is that bad?

[d_a_n1979]

Triumph Man said:

I can never remember with these - if it sucks on the oil cap is the CCV is it bad or if there is no suction on the oil cap is that bad?

There'll be some slight suction; that's fine. But if it's that hard that you struggle to remove the oil filler cap; then you've blocked CCV issues. However, at that stage, I'd expect to see smoke coming from the exhaust too as it'd be well blocked

[Triumph Man]

d_a_n1979 said:

Triumph Man said:

I can never remember with these - if it sucks on the oil cap is the CCV is it bad or if there is no suction on the oil cap is that bad?

There'll be some slight suction; that's fine. But if it's that hard that you struggle to remove the oil filler cap; then you've blocked CCV issues. However, at that stage, I'd expect to see smoke coming from the exhaust too as it'd be well blocked

Thank you - mine doesn't suck (oo err missus) so I imagine it's ok - and no smoke thankfully. Just likes oil!

[d_a_n1979]

Triumph Man said:

Thank you - mine doesn't suck (oo err missus) so I imagine it's ok - and no smoke thankfully. Just likes oil!

They will use a touch of oil, but not too much

Have you had a look into the plug wells to see if they're wet with oil; if so, the seals have gone and need to be replaced. An easy enough job to do on the driveway

Deffo no other leaks (oil filter housing, rocker cover gasket etc)?

[Triumph Man]

d_a_n1979 said:

They will use a touch of oil, but not too much

Have you had a look into the plug wells to see if they're wet with oil; if so, the seals have gone and need to be replaced. An easy enough job to do on the driveway

Deffo no other leaks (oil filter housing, rocker cover gasket etc)?

Do you know, I was sat idling yesterday and caught a whiff of burning oil - so in answer to your question, it seems like the rocker cover gasket is on the way out! I'll do the plug seals as well while I'm in there. Oil filter housing gasket was done at the tail end of last year.

Edited by Triumph Man on Monday 19th November 19:52