Valve Adjustment

[BahnE30]

it comes that time to do the valves
anyone have a write up on how to do this
i checked bmwe30.net they only have tips
i looking for a complete write up
i have some idea on how to do them but i was looking for a complete write up on how to do them anyone have one or can direct me to where one is??
maybe once there is one possibly make this is a sticky so noone will have to ask again or put it in the FAQ's

thanks guys

[Den]

This is one of those things that turns out to be not so complicated once you see how it's done.

http://www.unofficialbmw.com/repair_faqs/valves.html

http://www.unofficialbmw.com/e30/engine/e30_valve_noise.html

Not quite comprehensive, but you can buy a Bently manual if you need instructions like
"1. Remove valve cover."

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0837603250/unofficialbmwweb/104-1821872-9027160

If they have anywhere near 30k on them, this would be a good time to change your spark plugs too, especially since plugs for the M20 are available for ~$1 each(disregard reference to silver plugs in above FAQ. Silbers are for the M30, and I'm glad the M20 doesn't require them because those are ~$4 / each.)

[BahnE30]

thanks den

[aaron_silva]

www.e30zone.co.uk seems to have a good write up with pictures.

Aaron

[aaron_silva]

More specifically... http://www.e30zone.co.uk/technvalve.asp

Aaron

[BahnE30]

Excellent
i know what i'm doing tommorow

[theberglar]

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

[BS87]

Why pelican intructs to push the car in 5th gear, instead of just turning the crankshaft, i have no idea.

[BahnE30]

it'll accomplish the same thing hence why push starting a standard works... 5th just allows the engine to turn slower than say 1-2nd so you can position the cam where you want it

[BS87]

Yeah, but it's easier to just use a wrench.

[DaN]

I just adjusted my valves today, and rolled it in 5th. I think this is easier than turniing the crank pulley, it's hard to get down there from the top, and if you do it from the bottom you can't see where the cam is.

What are you guys setting them at?
My stupid haynes manual said .012" cold, so thats what I did last time, and it was noisy.
My boss informed me that they updated the specs in the early 90s to .010" cold.

[chrisd]

I just adjusted my valves today, and rolled it in 5th. I think this is easier than turniing the crank pulley, it's hard to get down there from the top, and if you do it from the bottom you can't see where the cam is.

I did it the crank way, and got my ratchet handle stuck. It took 5 minutes to get it out. Next time is definitely the 5th gear way.

[BahnE30]

i believe Jordan did his a .12 cold and he said it's as quiet as an M20 can be
maybe someones tolllerences are off....

[DaN]

Wow .12" eh?
That sounds a little off, lol.
I believe alldata says it should be .010", I'll check today.

[BahnE30]

thats what i thought he said maybe i'm wrong
ask him.......