Engine leak some gunk oil stuff

[no1_jazz]

Hi club members, i have a little problem. the problem is at the front of my engine is alot of gunk and its been there since i have had the car and its not got anyworse i have wiped a small section of it to see in time if it dose get dirty again but it has nto but anyways ill let you guys tell me whats wrong

pictures:














Appreciate all the help guys again sorry for the poor picture quality

Many Thanks

Jazz

[nomad]

valve cover and/or front timing cover gasket leak. The oil is seeping out and the radiator fan is blowing all the junk onto it and it gets spread around.

Also check for your power steering hoses leaking. When they leak the air blows all that oil around the bottom suspension components, making it pretty nasty under there.

[no1_jazz]

appreciate the help nomad lol how hard is it to replace the valve cover and/or front timing cover gasket leak?

is it something i can domyself or will it be advised to take ti to a garage? i am spanner friendly and wouldnt mind a challange. are there any step by step guide of how to complete this job is fo could you please do let me knwo.

Many Thnaks
Jazz

[BMWManiac]

Valve cover is easy....you see a bunch of 10 or 13mm screws (I think 10 or so) around the valve cover?  Just unscrew them, and pull up on the cover.....the timing cover is a bit more involved and I would suggest you not attempt it.

[nomad]

you may not want to attempt the timing cover untill you really need to. It is certainly do-able but while you have it off and went through all the trouble you may as well replace timing components etc.
Since the oil looks to originate around the valve cover area I'd bet it's there.

[colin86325]

If it were me, I'd spend an hour or so to properly clean the entire area and then check for leaks over the following days.  The cam sensor seal can also leak, but it's unlikely.  Looks like your valve cover seal is leaking.

[no1_jazz]

Guys again thanks for the help but i hope this helps.... i have striped her a little bit to get better pictures to show you guys have a look and let me knwo what you think.... it looks nasty and totally dirty the gunk follows down to the bottom of the front of the engine.

anyways here goes:











and a follow on question guys how do i take my viscous fan of?



All help is much appreciaterd and i hope these pictures make it easy for you guys to understand

Many Thanks
Jazz

[rhogg]

Its a left handed thread and you need a counterholder. I you use Search - there are many DIYs.  I would also check your coolant level. The part you are showing is the thermostat and water pump. This is a pretty easy job but be careful with the rad its plastic and the pipes crack easily.

[kenika65]

buy some break clean and spray all of that crud off of your motor so you can find the exact location of the leak.

If you get a wrench on one fan bolt then turn it in a way that it will hold it then you can put a wrench on the left hand thread fan nut and break it loose,  it is alway fun doing this, make sure you tighten it up good too or it might eat your radiator.

[no1_jazz]

Appreciate all the help guys so break fluid is the stuff to sprasy on and wipe of with a cloth then ken?

[EN318isPDX]

Appreciate all the help guys so break fluid is the stuff to sprasy on and wipe of with a cloth then ken?

No no no! brake fluid is highly corrosive! he means use a can of brake cleaner. its great for taking crap off. I used it on the entire underside of my car and it made a huge difference. (previous oil pan failures covered my underside with oil)

[no1_jazz]

brake cleaner i got you guys appreciate it guys lol