Assembling s50 head...Q?

[golde30]

so i was going through the bentley and it talks about all kinds of special tools for the vanos + cam postitioning tool. these arent REALLY needed for assembly rite? im just making sure for my mechanic, he usually works on imports, not so much on newer(post OBD) bmw's. thanks!

[Teaguer]

so i was going through the bentley and it talks about all kinds of special tools for the vanos + cam postitioning tool. these arent REALLY needed for assembly rite? im just making sure for my mechanic, he usually works on imports, not so much on newer(post OBD) bmw's. thanks!

Although anybody who is machanically adept can assemble the 24v head ....indexing the Vanos unit and the cams is key to making the most power .
IE , you could be noticeably down on power if not put together just right .

[matt]

You could fuck things royally if the cams arent' timed right. Putting the valves back in and putting the cams in is relatively straightforward, just make sure he doesn't break the cams....

[golde30]

Although anybody who is machanically adept can assemble the 24v head ....indexing the Vanos unit and the cams is key to making the most power .
IE , you could be noticeably down on power if not put together just right .

indexing the vanos? more info?

[bimmer8604]

yay for vanos.

its not that hard - if you have the tools. If you dont have the tools to put the vanos in the proper position, it will mess up. I would suggest finding another shop with the Vanos tools or call the dealer to see what they would charge to put it together. You will want to have the tool for the camshafts as they do break easily. again, i would go to the dealer or a shop with the tools.

[Van Westervelt]

There are a couple tricks and ways around not using them, but none are 100%. Get the tools IMO.

[Teaguer]

indexing the vanos? more info?

The Vanos unit goes on wiht timing initially retarded and then advances the timing once the solenoid switches on .
You can set the initial point advanced or retarded a few degress....and this will have an effect on power obviously .

Assembling the head for the most part is easy enough without the right tools but nobody ever gets the timing just dead on .

The reason the cams are known to break is because they are hollow and if you grab them on one and hold them up they can break under their own weight/leverage .
Also people that are not familiar with the installing/removing process are known to break them while not using the right tools .

[mikey]

did charlie get those parts you needed?

let me know if you need help with the vanos, i may have a cheapish lead

[golde30]

did charlie get those parts you needed?

let me know if you need help with the vanos, i may have a cheapish lead

no, i wasnt able to get in contact with any1 who could help me at the dealer, but i found a way around that.

as far as the vanos is concerned, i guess i will have to find the tools to get the job done rite. i cant "go to another shop" b/c my motor is in a hundred pieces out of the car. My mechanic has been in the business for 20 years, but hasnt really worked on any BMW engines since the e30 era. hes a nissan/honda specialist, and i have seen him built some awesome engines for those cars. anyways, i guess im on a mad tool hunt.

[e30_kid89]

golde30, take a look at the Dr.Vanos website. He/they has a step-by-step pdf of their rebuilt Vanos unit installation and setting the timing. I was reading it and its pretty werid, but to get it right 100% the Vanos tools are needed.

[golde30]

any1 have a Vanos alignment tool i can rent>?

[bimmer8604]

any1 have a Vanos alignment tool i can rent>?

maybe i could *steal* The one from my dealer. but then what would I use???

my friend and i looked into buying it from the dealer, and it was expensive, but not SUPER expensive. there's no way they would let your mechanic borrow it for a day or two?(doesnt take long to set the vanos).

kyle

[golde30]

eh, i dont think the dealers around here will lend out tools.

i read that write-up from Dr.Vanos.com, and it seems like as long as you have the cam-locking tool, thats pretty much all you need to get the vanos installed rite. i will probably end up buying that cam-locking tool. any1 know which one works best for an s50? i looked at Baum Tools, and they have a different tool listed for the s50 vs m50. wouldnt they be the same??

[FredK]

Yes, M50/S50 cam lock tool is the same. Contact catalyst racing, they have a cam lock tool for $45.

http://www.catalystracing.net/products.html

It's helpful to have the Vanos air fitting so you can check the travel, but aside from that, that's about all you need. It's also nice to have the dummy chain tensioner for that extra peace of mind.

[golde30]

thanks for the link Fred. i will give them a ring 2m and see if they can overnite it to me.