Correct valve clearance m20. Solution to ticking e30

[jlevie]

If the head is in good condition, you can use 0.006" for the intakes and 0.008" for the exhausts. That gives fractionally more valve opening and a slightly longer duration, yielding slightly better performance. Not that you'd be able to tell from driving, but it will show up on the dyno.

If you don't have a spring tool, the problem in adjusting the valves is the subjective judgement as to how much drag on the feeler is correct. With a spring tool the results are the same every time. As a bonus using a spring is way faster.

[whodwho]

And will have a slight side effect of a little rougher idle

+1 for using the spring style adjuster ;)

[mcr_driver]

If the head is in good condition, you can use 0.006" for the intakes and 0.008" for the exhausts. That gives fractionally more valve opening and a slightly longer duration, yielding slightly better performance. Not that you'd be able to tell from driving, but it will show up on the dyno.

If you don't have a spring tool, the problem in adjusting the valves is the subjective judgement as to how much drag on the feeler is correct. With a spring tool the results are the same every time. As a bonus using a spring is way faster.

How much is a spring adjuster? link?

[jlevie]

I think that BavAuto still has them and they cost about $25.

[AndrewBird]

The spring tool is part number 113070 at BavAuto.

How exactly do you use it though?

[whodwho]

I got mine from the dealer when I worked there, I will have to see what they go for there but seems it wasn't near $25...

You use it the same as the allen wrench or whatever you stick in the eccentric hole to rotate but it only allows a certain pressure to rotate which controls the drag on the feeler gauge.



Edit: Guess they go for that much

22.50 at Pelican - http://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin/...C%20Each%20%20

SIR-BMW3013 is 26ish

[nickmcc92]

Thanks for you're guys' knowledge.
It was a noticeable difference when I changed to .009"
.006" seems a little too tight.
Maybe I'll try .007" intake/ .009" exhaust because I have 200,000 mi. on mines.

[digger]

some of the catcams cams specify 0.15mm......

[jlevie]

How exactly do you use it though

You loosen the eccentric, place the feeler between the rocker and valve stem, rotate the eccentric until there is a 45deg or more bend in the spring, then tighten the lock nut. That valve is done, move to the next valve!

[nickmcc92]

Looks like a thick Allen wrench..? Or do I not know how to use it?
Wait, who is dyno?

[paperplane94]

I wonder if I could make one of those tools for myself.

[E30_fiend]

You loosen the eccentric, place the feeler between the rocker and valve stem, rotate the eccentric until there is a 45deg or more bend in the spring, then tighten the lock nut. That valve is done, move to the next valve!

could this tool be utilized when adjusting at the cam? I much rather prefer adjusting at the cam. Always have and its what Im comfortable doing.


Taylor

[nickmcc92]

For reals no ones wants to pay 23$ for an Allen wrench. Lol

[jlevie]

could this tool be utilized when adjusting at the cam? I much rather prefer adjusting at the cam. Always have and its what Im comfortable doing.

I suppose it could, but I think it will be more accurate at the valve stem.

[nickmcc92]

I've heard of wear on the valve stems. But if you do it on the cam side take note of the ratio.