N52 leak

esmadera · 01-30-2026, 11:34 AM

Ran a smoke test and have smoke coming from behind the tensioner pulley. I have replaced OFHG, oil pan, and engine cover gaskets. Figured it was a front crankshaft seal but considering that the smoke is coming from behind the pulley not too sure what it is

tlow98 · 01-30-2026, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by esmadera

Ran a smoke test and have smoke coming from behind the tensioner pulley. I have replaced OFHG, oil pan, and engine cover gaskets. Figured it was a front crankshaft seal but considering that the smoke is coming from behind the pulley not too sure what it is

Sounds strange. Time to start dismantling…

Mike K · 01-30-2026, 07:00 PM

Possibly near the vacuum pump? That's in the same area..

01-30-2026, 11:34 AM	#1
esmadera Registered 0 Rep 1 Posts Drives: 2009 328i Join Date: Jan 2026 Location: Atlanta, Georgia iTrader: (0)	N52 leak Ran a smoke test and have smoke coming from behind the tensioner pulley. I have replaced OFHG, oil pan, and engine cover gaskets. Figured it was a front crankshaft seal but considering that the smoke is coming from behind the pulley not too sure what it is
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01-30-2026, 07:00 PM	#3
Mike K Captain 688 Rep 632 Posts Drives: 2011 e91 328i RWD Join Date: Jan 2021 Location: Chicago Area iTrader: (0) Garage List 1974 Triumph TR-6 [0.00] 2011 BMW 328i e91 [10.00]	Possibly near the vacuum pump? That's in the same area..
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