|
|
|
2010 2011 BMW 5 Series Forum F10 What's in my oil catch can? |
|
Post Reply |
|
Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
10-12-2023, 02:35 PM | #1 |
First Lieutenant
252
Rep 332
Posts
Drives: F10 535i xDrive, F25 xDrive35i
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: MI
|
What's in my oil catch can?
2011 535i with 109,300 miles currently. The car has virtually been problem free in the last 60,000 miles that I have owned it.
It was time to replace the leaking OFHG (block side) and I figured I will add an oil catch can because I started to see a bit of excessive oil within the charge pipe. Please see the attached photo. This is after 300 miles with an oil catch can and I have also noticed that the oil cooler gasket (which was done a few thousand miles ago) is once again leaking. I should also mention that i flushed the coolant out at the same time I did the OFHG (300ish miles). My question is, is this coolant and is it due to the leaking oil cooler gasket? |
10-12-2023, 05:16 PM | #2 |
Enlisted Member
24
Rep 38
Posts |
That looks like the same substance that is in my OCC for the last 20k. On the N55 it doesn't really collect much oil, but I like the idea of that water not reaching my engine.
For 300miles it might be a bit excessive, but I do see a difference in it sometimes filling up quite fast and other times not so much. Due to weather conditions maybe? I'd empty the can and check back in 500 miles to see what is added. |
Appreciate
1
StradaRedlands4943.00 |
10-12-2023, 05:33 PM | #3 |
Private First Class
186
Rep 127
Posts |
I think has to do with short distance driving. Engine gets hot enough, but not for enough time to allow evaporate engine internal moisture.
|
Appreciate
1
StradaRedlands4943.00 |
10-12-2023, 05:44 PM | #4 |
First Lieutenant
252
Rep 332
Posts
Drives: F10 535i xDrive, F25 xDrive35i
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: MI
|
I should add that I drive a minimum of 40 miles daily (to and from work) and maybe once a week 100 miles in a day. Is that still considered short distance?
It seems like it’s condensation. I’m not entirely sure. |
Appreciate
0
|
10-12-2023, 09:37 PM | #5 |
Brigadier General
4943
Rep 3,000
Posts
Drives: 2006 BMW 330i MT
Join Date: Dec 2021
Location: SoCal
iTrader: (2)
Garage List 2006 BMW 330i [8.21]
2009 BMW 328i Touri ... [7.90] 2013 BMW X5 35i [7.63] 2011 BMW 528i [8.75] 2006 Mazda3 [5.50] |
Most likely just condensation, but with your drives, it shouldn't be that big of a deal.
So yeah, maybe coolant? When you look at your coolant, is there any oil in it? |
Appreciate
1
Houranimd49252.00 |
10-13-2023, 09:06 PM | #6 |
Colonel
1301
Rep 2,591
Posts |
It's condensation mixed with a bit of oil, which forms a nice chocolate smoothie.
__________________
2015 BMW 535xi
Bootmod3 Stage 2 | ER charge pipe | ER Catted DP | Remus Exhaust | Gplus FMIC | KW V3 | Turner Monoball thrust arm bushings | Wallet regrets ISTA VM Setup/Tutorial |
Appreciate
3
|
10-13-2023, 10:41 PM | #7 |
First Lieutenant
252
Rep 332
Posts
Drives: F10 535i xDrive, F25 xDrive35i
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: MI
|
Appears the consensus is condensation. I’ll take it and run. Thanks guys!
Now…someone tell me why my oil cooler gasket keeps failing prematurely… |
Appreciate
1
ChiltiCoatl891769.00 |
10-13-2023, 11:24 PM | #8 |
Colonel
1301
Rep 2,591
Posts |
Make sure it's properly lubed up before install so that it doesn't tear or fold over
__________________
2015 BMW 535xi
Bootmod3 Stage 2 | ER charge pipe | ER Catted DP | Remus Exhaust | Gplus FMIC | KW V3 | Turner Monoball thrust arm bushings | Wallet regrets ISTA VM Setup/Tutorial |
Appreciate
2
StradaRedlands4943.00 Houranimd49252.00 |
10-14-2023, 06:10 PM | #9 |
Enlisted Member
24
Rep 38
Posts |
What Unspec said, and make sure the bolts are torqued at the right spec. Overtightening can also cause the gasket to start leaking again. Also clean the old residue really well.
Is the gasket OEM or aftermarket brand? |
Appreciate
0
|
10-14-2023, 09:36 PM | #10 |
First Lieutenant
252
Rep 332
Posts
Drives: F10 535i xDrive, F25 xDrive35i
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: MI
|
I only buy from fcp euro! I of course torqued correctly. I don’t dare free tighten on these finicky cars. Luckily these only take like 10 mins to swap out but I’m tired of changing it so prematurely.
|
Appreciate
0
|
10-15-2023, 10:18 AM | #11 |
Private First Class
186
Rep 127
Posts |
Make sure oil filter housing and heat exchanger grooves are super clean. Assuming cylinder head surface has no burs and is flat. Next time check it with straight edge. Do you use new bolts or existing one?
Regards, |
Appreciate
0
|
10-15-2023, 02:20 PM | #12 |
First Lieutenant
252
Rep 332
Posts
Drives: F10 535i xDrive, F25 xDrive35i
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: MI
|
I was re-using bolts, but now I think I need to purchase new ones.
|
Appreciate
0
|
10-15-2023, 04:53 PM | #13 |
Private First Class
186
Rep 127
Posts |
I think using new bolts will solve leaking issue. Existing bolts are probably stretched. On the heat exchanger (#9), depends on which version you have, bolts length are different (item #10). Ask me how do I know.
Last edited by Conserve; 10-15-2023 at 04:56 PM.. Reason: . |
Appreciate
0
|
10-17-2023, 05:46 PM | #14 |
Colonel
1301
Rep 2,591
Posts |
New bolts will not solve the issue. The bolts are steel, but the block is aluminum. The threads in the block are what gets stretched if the bolts are overtightened. I doubt that is the cause of the leak though.
__________________
2015 BMW 535xi
Bootmod3 Stage 2 | ER charge pipe | ER Catted DP | Remus Exhaust | Gplus FMIC | KW V3 | Turner Monoball thrust arm bushings | Wallet regrets ISTA VM Setup/Tutorial |
Appreciate
1
StradaRedlands4943.00 |
10-17-2023, 10:51 PM | #15 |
Brigadier General
4943
Rep 3,000
Posts
Drives: 2006 BMW 330i MT
Join Date: Dec 2021
Location: SoCal
iTrader: (2)
Garage List 2006 BMW 330i [8.21]
2009 BMW 328i Touri ... [7.90] 2013 BMW X5 35i [7.63] 2011 BMW 528i [8.75] 2006 Mazda3 [5.50] |
Yes, I was surprised that this had steel bolts when I re-did the gaskets.
|
Appreciate
0
|
10-18-2023, 08:12 AM | #16 |
First Lieutenant
252
Rep 332
Posts
Drives: F10 535i xDrive, F25 xDrive35i
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: MI
|
So what do you think is the cause of this recurrent premature gasket failure?
|
Appreciate
0
|
10-18-2023, 10:49 AM | #17 |
Colonel
1301
Rep 2,591
Posts |
9 times out of 10 it's user error
__________________
2015 BMW 535xi
Bootmod3 Stage 2 | ER charge pipe | ER Catted DP | Remus Exhaust | Gplus FMIC | KW V3 | Turner Monoball thrust arm bushings | Wallet regrets ISTA VM Setup/Tutorial |
Appreciate
0
|
10-18-2023, 10:42 PM | #18 |
First Lieutenant
252
Rep 332
Posts
Drives: F10 535i xDrive, F25 xDrive35i
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: MI
|
|
Appreciate
1
StradaRedlands4943.00 |
10-19-2023, 09:04 AM | #19 |
Colonel
1301
Rep 2,591
Posts |
I presume you're using a torque wrench when tightening? Or just going "good and tight"?
__________________
2015 BMW 535xi
Bootmod3 Stage 2 | ER charge pipe | ER Catted DP | Remus Exhaust | Gplus FMIC | KW V3 | Turner Monoball thrust arm bushings | Wallet regrets ISTA VM Setup/Tutorial |
Appreciate
0
|
10-19-2023, 08:20 PM | #20 |
First Lieutenant
252
Rep 332
Posts
Drives: F10 535i xDrive, F25 xDrive35i
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: MI
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
Post Reply |
Bookmarks |
|
|