engine and drivetrain Can you date valve covers by type?

[Conserv]

On 8/29/2015 at 7:13 AM, Henning said:

They don't have, Steve. A friend of mine has got a carbed '75 318, and that one does not have the boss. I know for sure because we were working on its (censored) 2-barrel carb a while ago.

Unfortunately I do not know if it's got the "BMW" or the roundel, but this can be found out. And it is ribbed.

Concerning the casting date, I've never seen a later year than 76 casted in valve- or timing cover solely. From 77 on, there have been always 77/78, 78/79 and so on there.

Hen

 

Excellent, Hen! So it would be great if you can find out if the 318 valve cover has a roundel! If yes, '76 U.S. models shared valve covers with early carbed e21 cars. If no, I have no clue why late U.S. '02s got the roundel!

 

Best regards,

 

Steve

Edited June 9, 2018 by Conserv

[Henning]

Hi Steve,

 

got 'em:

 

 

 

Met him yesterday. My fiend is the third owner and knows the PO well. He confirms that the cover never has been replaced. It seems to be the same than on 02 engines.

 

Hen

 

[Conserv]

On 9/4/2015 at 2:01 AM, Henning said:

...It seems to be the same than on 02 engines.

 

Hen

 

Thank you, Hen!

 

Same as the typical '02, but not like the '76 '02s! (Or whenever the roundel-style valve cover first appeared.)

 

Best,

 

Steve

Edited June 9, 2018 by Conserv

[zinz]

Per Steve’s request, here’s my original, ribbed valve cover on my ‘67, 2000CS. Date stamp April, ‘67. 

 

 

Ed Z

[antares242]

Just finished detailing mine today. Just out of curiosity, can anyone tell me how to read this date since it has two years, two rings and 13 dots? Thanks!

[Conserv]

3 hours ago, antares242 said:

Just finished detailing mine today. Just out of curiosity, can anyone tell me how to read this date since it has two years, two rings and 13 dots? Thanks!

 

 

Around 1977, they moved to this 2-year casting date method.  I’m guessing 13 nubs indicates it was cast 13 months into the 2-year period, so January 1985.

 

Regards,

 

Steve

 

[Hans]

On 8/18/2015 at 7:23 PM, Conserv said:

Next question: Does anyone have a ribbed cover WITHOUT a casting date?

 

Thanks and regards,

 

Steve

yes, unless it is well hidden. Its the one with the tall ribs from my previous post. It sits on the oil sprayer.