Adjusting your own valves..

[Sean]

I had made this thread a while ago, and it had been subject to accidental loss during the server move. No big deal. ;)

So, I wanted to ask, do I need to spend $25 on a Spring Loaded Valve Adjustment tool, or can I just use a coat hanger like this Chilton manual had said? (I borrowed it from the library). I'm still not quite sure how I'll be going about doing this, here is all I need to buy, correct?

1. Valve Cover Gasket
2. Feeler Gauges (I plan on gettin these from Schucks, or some other auto store around here)
3. Coat Hanger? (free)

Should I bother with buying a new valve cover, or can I just spend some quality time scrubbing mine down? I'm thinking I'll just scrub it down, since it's cheaper, and I don't have much money to spare on a new cover. I'm not really going to worry about painting it or anything. I'll be buying a second valve cover gasket for when I decide to do that, if that is at all anytime soon.

So, what do you guys think? I plan on buying my stuff tonight, and basically need to figure out if I need this SPring Loaded Valve Adjustment Tool or not... ;)

Thanks!

[Spaz]

the tool is for the s14 engines, not the m20.
All you need is as follows.
1. feeler gauge preferly ones with a bent tip. this makes it way easier to get an accurate reading.
2. Coat hanger, cut it into a 3.5 inches long piece and make a bend into it to fit into the hole on the ecentric. (you'll see what i mean)
3. a 10mm wrench to loosen the rocker arm, to adjust the lash.
4. a rachet and socket to fit on crank pulley (can't remeber what size)
5. what ever you use to remove the valve cover.

as for the valve cover, replace the gasket and the four end plugs, and you can scrub your valve cover there is no need to replace it at all.

hope that helps, if you need more info just contact me
-cam

[Sean]

End Plugs? What do you mean by those?

Thanks, that was very informative, and saved me from spending $25

[bmwguru007]

You don't need the tool, save your money and buy a Bentley!

1. Correct, some people say it's resuable but it's also cheap. I would also suggest replacing the 4 rubber end plugs (they are shaped like houses). They're like 50 cents. There are two at each end of the head, you can use a needlenose pliers to pull them out.

2. Try to get offset feeler gauges, they make the job easier. By this I mean "L" shaped instead of straight. I got mine at Sears for around 10 bucks.

3. A stiff piece of wire works fine, so does a small hex key. Don't drop anything down the oil return holes, you don't want to have to go fishing for them.

Just paint your valve cover, don't waste your money getting another one.

Try the links below for some tips

http://www.pelicanparts.com/bmw/techarticles/E30-Valve_Adjust/E30-Valve_Adjust.htm

http://216.97.77.38/HTMLFiles/Menu1/Menu1-1-3/ValveAdjustment.htm

[bmwguru007]

Oops! I started writing and walked away. Came back and didn't notice Spaz had already responded. Anyway, I'll post a diagram showing the end plugs in a couple minutes.

[Sean]

Thanks for the links!! Those were both interesting reads. I can't wait to do this. ;)

Doesn't look all that complicated either, and I'll be putting in new spark plugs at the same time. (I'm getting Bosch Platinum +4 Plugs, are those good? - Also, where would I find anti-sieze compound and conductive grease for the boot on the wires)

Also noticed this, "Once you have the valve lash set to your satisfaction, you can check that the rocker arm oil spray tube in tight. The rocker arm plugs should also be replaced. They are cheap." Anything I need to worry about?


I'm going to assume that I can purchase those end plugs locally? They aren't on bavauto or anything...?

[bmwguru007]

Sure, no problem! I wouldn't waste the money on the +4 plugs, they aren't really worth it for these cars. I use Bosch Silver plugs, but Bosch Supers are fine too. The anti-seize and dielectric grease can be had at any auto parts store. The oil spray tube is #3 in the picture below, just check to make sure the fittings on either side haven't come loose. The red arrow is pointing to one of the end plugs (PN 11 33 1 264 519). I doubt they are a stock item at a typical auto parts store, so you might have to order them or make a trip to the dealer.

[Sean]

Thanks for the info. I'll be ordering all ym stuff tomorrow morning, and I'll post here if I need any more help. I plan on readin a bunch of stuff before I do all my work on my car this upcoming weekend. Hopefully it's nice out. :D

And, if anyone else has anything to add, feel free to add it, the more info the better.

[Sean]

OK, I'm about to venture into this.

I'm looking at the Bentley, and am not sure where I am suppose to turn the camshaft. Where's the thing I need to turn? I plan on taking the spark plugs out, so where's the (what the bentley calls it) "vobration damper bolt"?

Also, those end plugs, I didn't order any of those from anywhere, so can I just go to the dealer, and buy four with the Part Number: PN 11 33 1 264 519

[Spaz]

well take out the spark plugs so it is easier to turn over the engine, because without the spark plugs you cannot build compression, in turn making it easier to turn over.

as for the bolt. it is the large bolt at the crank pulley (bottom, front of the engine) that they are refering too, i can't remeber the size exactly though.

yah you can just go to the dealer to get those plugs most likely they will have them instock.

hope that helps and good luck

[bmwguru007]

If you take a look at the above picture the vibration damper bolt has the socket and rachet on it. It is 22mm. Be prepared to get some exercise turning it!

Correct, you can just go to the dealer and pick up the four end plugs with that part number.

[Spaz]

damn thanks for posting that pic, it clearifies everything that we said.

[bmwguru007]

:up: I just did my timing belt so I remember where all these good pics are.

[Sean]

Sweet, thanks a lot.

I'm in the process of getting the cover off now, just came to see if there were replies or not. And, there is. :) I got all teh spark plugs out, they definately look old.

I have the new ones standing by, and I know where that bolt (to turn the camshaft) is now. But, to get to it, do I need to get under the car? I probably have to remove that big rubber piece on the bottom if so. ;)

Thanks a lot guys!


Now I seem to be having trouble getting the hose off the valve cover. There's a hose that goes from the valve cover to the intake manifold - i've released the little clamp, but the thing will not budge. What should I do to get it off?

[bmwguru007]

I think you'll be able to squeeze your hand in there from above to turn it. That hose can be difficult to remove because you can't move it much with the valve cover in place. Try pulling it off as you lift up the valve cover, it should be much easier.