S55 PCV 'SQUEAL' - Easy Fix (so you don't have to replace the entire valve cover)

[Seth9]

Originally Posted by Soap

Ok so update, didn’t install and test the new pcv repair kit today, ended up ordering charge pipes since I’ll already have the stock ones removed so might as well upgrade them. Waiting until those come in tomorrow to install everything. However, the S55 pcv repair kit came in and it seems pretty solid, from what I can tell it’s pretty indistinguishable from the original pcvs I’m seeing people remove.
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Very interested to see how your install goes with this. I have the N55 fix on now with some squeal but have this kit sitting ready to go as well.

[F80RN]

Originally Posted by Seth9

Very interested to see how your install goes with this. I have the N55 fix on now with some squeal but have this kit sitting ready to go as well.

I’m in the same boat: didn’t fix but still with some squeal.

What remedies have you tried so far to eliminate the squeal? I’ve added 2 more holes to the lid and nipped the stem a bit. I’m awaiting the delivery of the same kit as well

[Soap]

Alright pretty big update. Got it installed and sealed it up with with JB weld after testing it at idle, then went out to test drive after it cured for a couple hours. No more squeal! We’ll see about long term results, but so far this kit seems to be a direct plug-and-play-ish fix without the need for any additional modification.






Edit: wanted to point out that the oil on the engine cover around the fill cap is from when I had removed it while originally diagnosing the issue.

[USVIJIM]

Originally Posted by Soap

I actually just found this and ordered it.

Klifex 11127846359 Engine Cylinder Head Valve Cover Cap replacement for BMW S55 Engine S55B30 https://a.co/d/6iaFuM2

It’s advertised and looks to be a direct replacement for the S55 PCV valve vs the designs on the N55 kits I’ve seen. Seems to be a newly released item, haven’t seen much/any feedback on the manufacturer but it’s Amazon so I can always return it if it doesn’t work. I like that it’d theoretically retain the PCV functionality.

Hi Guys, I don't have an M3 yet but this is the most recent thread (all two years of it) regarding my issue. I just started flash tuning my M235i with the N55 (MHD). After getting to stage 2 I noticed a squeal/whine when pushing hard through low gears. Thought maybe a boost leak or something but no codes. The location of the PCV made me suspicious that that is the issue. Saw a couple videos with the exact sound but I am not getting the constant squeal.

Had a video (Fritz Ramos, YouTube) show up on my feed testing the PCV valve on an N55. The test is hooking up a vacuum tester (MityVac) to that nipple on the PCV valve when the car is off. Pump vacuum to 15 PSI and it should suck the bladder and hold there, mine will not. Since this seems to be the most knowledgeable thread I've found on the subject figured i'd ask if this is even a legit test.

I don't want to replace the VC because I have that unicorn Bimmer that isn't currently leaking at 60k miles. I ordered a Vaico cap from FCPEuro (they also make a valve cover) but now I'm wondering if the one you ordered would work on my N55. I can't find pictures of what the underside looks like on the Vaico compared to OEM. thanks for any help

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...o-11138611689.

Edit: tested this morning and It looks like the queal/whine is at 3,000rpm and only a couple seconds.

[slaughter.mode]

Originally Posted by Soap

Alright pretty big update. Got it installed and sealed it up with with JB weld after testing it at idle, then went out to test drive after it cured for a couple hours. No more squeal! We’ll see about long term results, but so far this kit seems to be a direct plug-and-play-ish fix without the need for any additional modification.
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Edit: wanted to point out that the oil on the engine cover around the fill cap is from when I had removed it while originally diagnosing the issue.

This is great news! Thanks for sharing this. Crazy how long it took for a a part to come to market being that it's such a common failure. Looking forward to more folks with similar results.

[USVIJIM]

Soap I just ordered that Klifex cap you referenced, when I get the one from FCP I'll compare. Assuming the S55 Version will fit N55 but we'll see. No Q&A or reviews posted on Amazon so I'll be the tester.

[USVIJIM]

I received the S55 (Klifex) valve cap yesterday, looks to be good quality. I will compare when I get the N55 version on Wed.

I did place the S55 version on the table and applied some pressure to the spring. I attached my Mity Vac to the barb/ stem and applied some vacuum. It held steady which confirms that the rubber seal in my PCV is torn. It will not hold vacuum and I believe that is the noise I am hearing. Looking forward to fixing this and not having to do the whole valve cover.

[Soap]

Originally Posted by USVIJIM

I received the S55 (Klifex) valve cap yesterday, looks to be good quality. I will compare when I get the N55 version on Wed.

I did place the S55 version on the table and applied some pressure to the spring. I attached my Mity Vac to the barb/ stem and applied some vacuum. It held steady which confirms that the rubber seal in my PCV is torn. It will not hold vacuum and I believe that is the noise I am hearing. Looking forward to fixing this and not having to do the whole valve cover.

Wait I’m confused so you’re going to try the S55 kit on your N55? If I’m understanding that correctly, why wouldn’t you use one of the many N55 kits out there? I’m not sure that the S55 kit would work on an N55 and don’t see why it would be worth trying when you can use a kit made for the N55.

[USVIJIM]

I can tell no difference between the one you installed Klifex and what is on my N55 ( based on the attached photo from another thread). I'll get the one from FCP(Vaico) on Wed but I'm concerned the inside design is different than what is in my car

Since the S55 is based on the N55 I am thinking some parts would be shared.

Used a micrometer to measure my current cap and the Klifex, then are identical from the outside. From most of the videos I have seen replacing the N55 cap the rubber bladders look different on the replacements. The one you bought is the first one I have seen that looks the same. Either way it will be a game day decision which I go with and the other can always be returned.

[USVIJIM]

I sent a question to Klifex because I am unable to find their N55 version anywhere but the Ukraine site. They look identical to me

[wheela]

Originally Posted by F82keo

bro did u ever resolve the code? i swear i been riding around w it for months lmao. i’m about to take everything apart again tmr & see what i can do

That code indicates a vacuum leak, which means the engine is getting more air into it than it thinks it should be getting. When this happens, yout LTFT will increase to add more fuel to keep your AFR on target to compensate for the extra unexpected air. If the LTFT gets high enough, the car will start throwing codes. Though it's possible you've got leaks somewhere in the charge piping, or valve cover letting in un-metered air, this mod of gutting the diaphragm and drilling holes is definately creating a vacuum leak and letting in unmetered air - this is how it releases the excess vacuum causing your seals to squeal as air gets sucked past them. The vacuum that causes the sqeal at idle comes from your intake manifold. When the pcv is working properly, that valve you're gutting will close before the vacuum in the crank case gets high enough to cause the squeal. But when you gut it, it no longer closes, it just lets in extra air, preventing crank case vacuum from getting high enough to cause the squeal. All that air is getting sucked into your intake. I suspect the amount of unmetered air this mod let's in is right near the border of where some cars throw a code, and others don't.

For reference, here's a link with a great description of how the pcv system works in n55 (and therefore s55) engines:

https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1197666

[USVIJIM]

Got both caps in, left side is Klifex S55 version, right is the Vaico N55 version. From all the videos I have seen of both the N55 and S55 the OEM PCV looks like the Klifex on both valve covers. I've seen people install the N55 version to then have it not work. Leaning towards using the S55 one.

[TR930]

Originally Posted by USVIJIM

Got both caps in, left side is Klifex S55 version, right is the Vaico N55 version. From all the videos I have seen of both the N55 and S55 the OEM PCV looks like the Klifex on both valve covers. I've seen people install the N55 version to then have it not work. Leaning towards using the S55 one.

I bought the Klifex one just to have handy when mine goes.

[USVIJIM]

It is definitely and exact match to the S55 and N55 PCV. Currently installed with some weight on it waiting for JB Weld to cure. Hockey puck and a plate

Not sure if this is fixing my issue. I don't have the contestant squeal. The old one would not hold vacuum, this one does. We'll see tomorrow

[Bettertomorrow]

Originally Posted by F80RN

What repair kit did you purchase?

I got the N55 kit. There is still a faint squealing noise on very light throttle occasionally. I might try the S55 kit but the thought of having to take apart a bunch of parts is preventing me.

[USVIJIM]

Originally Posted by Bettertomorrow

I got the N55 kit. There is still a faint squealing noise on very light throttle occasionally. I might try the S55 kit but the thought of having to take apart a bunch of parts is preventing me.

S55 kit is a match for both engines, exact replacement for my N55. The N55 version is getting returned

Klifex 11127846359 Engine Cylinder Head Valve Cover Cap replacement for BMW S55 Engine S55B30 https://a.co/d/aThxBq0

[djpeetur]

Do you have to cut open the S55 original pcv valve, or is it just twist off? TIA

[USVIJIM]

Originally Posted by djpeetur

Do you have to cut open the S55 original pcv valve, or is it just twist off? TIA

I believe the S55 is the same as N55 and it has to be cut off. Once you can get a screwdriver under the lip it does pop off without much force.

[djpeetur]

Can confirm s55 Amazon pcv valve fits. But needs some sealer gasket silicone for it to stay put. And wrapped it with aluminum tape so it doesn’t pop off. No more squealing.

[ladiaz]

Originally Posted by djpeetur

Can confirm s55 Amazon pcv valve fits. But needs some sealer gasket silicone for it to stay put. And wrapped it with aluminum tape so it doesn’t pop off. No more squealing.

Did you drill any holes or just use it as-is? I'm now having this issue, the stealership want $3750 to replace the valve cover, crazy!

[Seth9]

Originally Posted by ladiaz

Did you drill any holes or just use it as-is? I'm now having this issue, the stealership want $3750 to replace the valve cover, crazy!

$3750 to replace the valve cover is INSANEEEEEE

[Seth9]

You know how the test to see if the pcv is the issue – opening the oil cap to see if there is a release of air?

My question is, if this is fixed correctly, should there still be a vacuum/suction from the oil cap area if you open it?