Valve Covers

[ThatSilverMS3]

So I just picked up a 2013 speed 3 with 72k miles. It threw a p0300 code so I replaced my coils and spark plugs, i gapped them correctly don’t worry. The code didn’t go away though. So I took it to my mechanic and he says that it’s been engine swapped with a gen 1 motor. He says because of the Valve cover but I can’t find pictures of gen 1 or gen 2 valve covers, so I’m confused. Is there any other way to know? The car is a one owner car so it’s a little confusing

 

[Raider]

Post a pic of yours. You will want to do a compression test too. This code also can be from leaking injector seals.

 

[Awafrican]

VC difference is baffles within it shouldn't be causing a miss fire.

As raider said compression test, if that's good probably Injector seals / clogged injectors.
Also of you used anything other than OEM coil packs you're going to have a bad time

 

[ThatSilverMS3]

Post a pic of yours. You will want to do a compression test too. This code also can be from leaking injector seals.

That’s my guess too, but I hear the timing chain smacking the valve cover when it starts. Unless that’s normal but I have no idea.

VC difference is baffles within it shouldn't be causing a miss fire.

As raider said compression test, if that's good probably Injector seals / clogged injectors.
Also of you used anything other than OEM coil packs you're going to have a bad time

I guess I sort of worded that weird. He told me that it had a different motor, but I’m pretty sure the misfire is from the VVT needing to be replaced or like you both said injector seals. Will a compression test reveal if the injector seals are bad? I’ve never done it before which is why I ask

 

[Awafrican]

So if engine is form gen 1 it may be a higher milage engine and need vvt service like you said, in Oct 2010 they released an updated vvt which certainly improved the life of it, different valve cover (internally baffled) really that's the only two big differences.

Compression test would show you if it's low or not, leak down would tell you if the engine is leaking at which point perhaps you could hear the air leaking out.

If you're hearing that timing chain slap the cover is definitely past due and could cause misfire especially if it's slipped. Older engine probably worth doing an intake valve cleaning and having the injectors clean and putting in some fresh seals.

 

[ThatSilverMS3]

So if engine is form gen 1 it may be a higher milage engine and need vvt service like you said, in Oct 2010 they released an updated vvt which certainly improved the life of it, different valve cover (internally baffled) really that's the only two big differences.

Compression test would show you if it's low or not, leak down would tell you if the engine is leaking at which point perhaps you could hear the air leaking out.

If you're hearing that timing chain slap the cover is definitely past due and could cause misfire especially if it's slipped. Older engine probably worth doing an intake valve cleaning and having the injectors clean and putting in some fresh seals.

Oh okay gotcha. Yeah I have no idea of the milage on the motor so it very well might be higher mileage. Yeah I was going to clean my intake manifold and doing all the injectors and everything, but the VVT job is having me throw that back for now since its a little expensive for me to do all at once. Thank you.