valve cover trouble

[russll5951]

i am doing my first valve adjustment. i am to the point that i am putting the valve cover back on but it wont fit. the right side is hitting a metal piece on the head and i am scared to tighten it down. the metal piece is between the wall and the bottom spring for cylinder number one. i will post a picture later today but if anyone knows what i am talking about please help. i for got it is an 1989 325is. thanks

[StereoInstaller1]

Yeah, man...pic.

I can't think of anything that is supposed to be there.

[Hallen]

Definitely, post a pic. I can't imagine anything like what you are describing.

BTW, replace the gasket, but also replace those seals on the end of the rocker arm shafts. Those leak more often than the gasket does.

[russll5951]

i figured out it is the rocker arm shaft guide plate. Now how does it go back in? i have no idea how it cam out to begin with.

[E30_fiend]

Take the cover off and take another picture and point at it or circle it.

I see nothing but a rocker and the rocker shaft in that picture.

[StereoInstaller1]

I think what is going on is the rocker arm shaft retainer plate is not in place properly, which likely means the rocker shaft is not in place, which means no oil in the rockers, which is BAD!

Take that shit apart pronto. Shit only fits one way...

GL!
Luke

[NC325iC]

more pictures so we can tell better whats happening

[E30FreaK89]

That rocker shaft retainer look broken! Taking the valve cover off alows you to pull the retainer out..

[Knockenwelle]

Yep, that's the rocker shaft retainer, and it's definitely bent. In fact, it isn't even in the right place. I'd replace it with new or good used. It's not a wear part, but can get bent like that if it's forced down without the rocker shafts clocked correctly. Make sure the flats on the shafts are turned to their proper position, set at the right front/back distance and it should drop right in with fingers.

[russll5951]

i see the grooves on the rocker shafts but i don't see how they could fit the retainer how they are lined up now. how are they supposed to line up?

[Knockenwelle]

You've got to turn them. Easiest way is to use an allen socket if the shafts have allen plugs. Otherwise...get creative. But DO NOT use pliers/vise-grips on them. Like I said earlier, the retainer isn't even in the right place in your pic. It should sit in the middle of the head, and index the shafts on the inboard side of each.

[russll5951]

awesome thanks guys. i just woke up from a late night of fun so i will get on this when my head clears. i am sure during the valve adjustment it must have fallen out of place and i didnt notice. really appreciate the help!

[russll5951]

ok so got back out there and took a look. the rocker shaft retainer is bent. so i need a new or used one. i am guessing the advance auto parts store doesnt carry this.

[quikveedb2]

nope, look in the fs or post in the wtb section, or the stealership, or a junkyard. best bet.

[Devil Inc]

I guess it'd be a good time to change those head bolts.