valve adjustment tools

[PУCCKAЯ_e30ka]

I couldn't find an answer after searching the forum... what tools are needed for valve adjustment? besides feeler gauges... i went on bma and found vavle adj. screw & other vavle adj things.. i wonder if I'll need those... thanks for your help!

[mikeedler]

you need a box end 10mm wrench, and a small allen key to go along with the feeler gauge- thats all.
the small allen key to put in the hole of the excentric to turn it.- a small stiff wire will work too.

[PУCCKAЯ_e30ka]

thanks for reply mike!

[AdironRider]

10mm ratchet, allen wrench, feeler guages. The list is short and simple. Might want to replace the valve cover gasket as well while you tackling this.

[lordofthewaters]

You'll want to make sure you torque the valve cover nuts too.

[yozsi]

a wire coat hanger will work too, if you dont have the right size allen wrench.

[NC325iC]

on a similar topic... i think one of the studs where the valve cover is bolted on is stipped. it hasnt broken off i just cant get it to tighten any more. my question is are these studs pressed in, welded in, screwed in, replaceable, all that jazz

[pdx 528e]

on a similar topic... i think one of the studs where the valve cover is bolted on is stipped. it hasnt broken off i just cant get it to tighten any more. my question is are these studs pressed in, welded in, screwed in, replaceable, all that jazz

They are screwed in, and they are dirt cheap to replace. Make sure you haven't stripped the aluminum threads in the head though, which is more likely than the bolt stripping.

[matt]

They are screwed in, and they are dirt cheap to replace. Make sure you haven't stripped the aluminum threads in the head though, which is more likely than the bolt stripping.

Timeserts FTW!

[lordofthewaters]

Are they better than helicoils?

[pdx 528e]

Timeserts FTW!

I need one for the upper timing cover passenger side bolt hole. Thanks for the info.

[Adrian_Visser]

ummm you guys are forgetting that you need a 30mm socket on the harmonic balancer to turn the cam. Another option is to bump the engine over with the starter i guess.

[ColdAccord]

they make devices with a button you attach to the starter so you can just do it from the engine bay. they're like ten bucks

[bddog]

Plan on replacing your sparkplugs at the same time.
Remove all sparkplugs.
I make a tool out of an eight penny nail and my grinder every time.
I also have a few new eccentrics and the nut with bolt handy.
They are cheap- eccentrics are $3.20 the bolt and nut run about $2.60.
When you have a hard time getting an adjustment correct, if often means someone ran the car too long with the valves out of adjustment. The eccentrics can develop a flat spot.
Forget trying to use the starter.
The Bentley tells you an order to go through when you adjust your valves.
Use it and you will find it can be done Quickly.
Go through the order adjust them using a large socket and ratchet.
Then turn the engine over for a short time, and check your adjustments again.
If you have one that keeps going out of adjustment ,it could be a bad eccentric.
Replace it! I always replace the nut and bolt also.
There is nothing worse than sealing down a brand new valve cover gasket, then a minute later hearing-tap tap tap
like you never even adjusted the suckers.

[StereoInstaller1]

ummm you guys are forgetting that you need a 30mm socket on the harmonic balancer to turn the cam.

Fuck that...I have a better way, check it out.

Another option is to bump the engine over with the starter i guess.

You got it...but how?

they make devices with a button you attach to the starter so you can just do it from the engine bay. they're like ten bucks

Screw that, too. Those are a PITA to attach to your starter wire.

Try this:

Go to Radio Shack, buy the cheapest momentary contact pushbutton they have, like $2.00. Solder on about 3 feet of speaker wire, like 18 guage. Strip the other end, and solder that so you have a "pin".

Open your diagnostic connector AFTER looking at the unoffical BMW guide...stuff that "pin" into the connectors labeled "starter" and 12 volts (AKA "Battery")

MAKE SURE YOU ARE IN NEUTRAL!!!!

Tap that little button and your starter cranks over. Way easier than any other method.

Also, an 1/8" drillbit is the best tool to rotate that eccentric that I have found.

GL!

Luke