Valve Cover Gasket Replacement & Top-Engine Leaks

If you smell burning oil while driving or sitting at a stoplight, you are likely dealing with one of the most specific and common issues in European cars: Valve Cover leaks. The valve cover sits at the very top of your engine, sealing the camshafts and valves. Over time, the constant heat cycles of the engine cause the rubber gasket—and sometimes the plastic valve cover itself—to become brittle and crack. When this happens, oil drips down onto the hot exhaust manifolds, creating that distinct burning smell and posing a very real fire risk. At S & K, we are the Westminster specialists for valve cover gasket replacement.

This issue is particularly prevalent in BMW, Mini Cooper, and Land Rover engines. Ignoring a valve cover leak can lead to more than just a bad smell; oil can leak into the spark plug wells, fouling your plugs and ignition coils, which triggers a check engine light and causes engine misfires. When we perform this repair, we don’t just swap the gasket. We inspect the valve cover for hairline cracks, clean the sealing surfaces meticulously, and replace the spark plug tube seals to ensure a complete repair. We treat this major repair with the attention to detail it requires, ensuring your vehicle remains safe and reliable.

Coolant Leaks & Cooling System Restoration

There is nothing more frustrating than watching your temperature gauge climb into the red zone. Coolant leaks are the arch-nemesis of European engines, which are designed to run hot for efficiency but have zero tolerance for overheating. At S & K German & European Auto Repair, we are experts in tracking down the source of that sweet-smelling steam or the low coolant warning light on your dashboard. Unlike a simple hose clamp fix on an older domestic truck, modern European cooling systems are complex networks of plastic pipes, quick-connect hoses, and electronic sensors.

We frequently see coolant leaks originating from cracked plastic housings, such as the thermostat housing or the water pump. We specialize in both water pump replacement and thermostat replacement, often using upgraded components that are more durable than the factory originals. We also check the expansion tank, which is known to crack on many Porsche and BMW models. A coolant leak is often a symptom of a larger issue, so we pressure test the entire system to ensure your radiator and heater core are sound. We finish every repair with a proper coolant flush, refilling the system with the manufacturer-specified fluid to prevent internal corrosion. Don’t risk a warped cylinder head; let Alfred Banks Jr and the team solve your coolant leak today.