Calypsorot Catastrophe
got a blown engine that needs a headgasket, it on the stand already, but i havent started it yet. my question is, how many of you do it without the special BMW tools like the cam locks and vanos tool? have any of you made any DIY tools? Im thinking about measuring the distance between the cams and cutting/machining a piece of stock to fit in between them to prevent them from moving. anyone have any other tricks? if it comes down to it, ill just rent them
MMMMM Snaple
Member
There is nothing particularly special about the BMW tools. As long as you somehow lock the cams and flywheel, you should be fine. You could also probably get away with not using the gear wrench.
isturning over a new leaf
is there a headgasket DIY on here? I always thought you had to have those locking tools or you would really fook it up. I think the tools (or replicas of them) can be purchased on ebay very cheap.
-M3J0N
MMMMM Snaple
The bently manual has a picture in it that shows how to make a cam lock out of sheet metal, I'm sure you can find something to lock the flywheel in place. Youre probably not going to be able to replicate the car turning tool, but its really only more of a convience thing. The upper timing chain tensioner holder is just wire, the lower apparently isnt nessicary. Finally the vanos testing tool is a bajo fitting with a air compressor fitting attached.
That being said, paypal someome a couple bucks and borrow theirs. Youre going to spend a bunch of time gathering materials and making things work anyway. If you only need them once, just get a loaner.
Member
If this is your first time ever doing a head gasket I recomend that you do a little reading before you attempt the job is really not to hard I would look at pelican parts they have a decent write up remember the cams are hollow and will snap if not removed correctly as for tools I have done without but to get timing perfect you will want to use lower chain tensioner tool as for vanos test tool a waste of time buy reseal kit since you will have it off already you may also want to have head hydro tested for cracks depending on your confidence in your diagnostic skills if not the second time you pull head will at least go faster if you can't find anyone else to rent you tools send me a pm I will help you out also look at elpaso tools they are fairly cheap and basicly sell Baum tools that have minor defect or blemish
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I did mine withouth any BMW tools. So yes.. its possible.
And it was my first ever HG change, and I have no training what so ever in mechanics.
S50B30 Euro, not the simplest I6 to start my weekend mechanics carrier with.
Last edited by GT110; 05-16-2011 at 07:40 AM.
1995 E36 M3 GT #111
3.0L S50B32 EURO Single Vanos with ITB's and Twin Garret GT2252 Turbo
VEMS Standalone (www.vems.hu) most features enabled.
Brakes, suspention, rollcage, seats, harness, wheels and tires.
Member
at the very least just get the cam locking blocks and correct fly wheel lock pin.
better safe then sorry.
"If you can leave black marks from the time you exit a corner till the time you brake for the next turn, then you have enough horsepower." --Mark Donohue
Member
Have done about 10 headgasket/cam changes without any tool or flyhweel pin...
it's completly overrated
isturning over a new leaf
where is the best online DIY for a headgasket swap?
-M3J0N
Member
to remove the head, I did not use any tools. But, the tools can come in handy for installation/timing.
This is my signature....
Member
Head gasket - http://www.pelicanparts.com/bmw/tech...ead-Gasket.htmOriginally Posted by m3j0n
VANOS and timing - http://www.pelicanparts.com/bmw/tech...aft-timing.htm
"If you can leave black marks from the time you exit a corner till the time you brake for the next turn, then you have enough horsepower." --Mark Donohue
Member
I like the Dr. Vanos stage II instructions, available in PDF, for the vanos and cam timing. They line the arrow on the exhaust sprocket up with the top of the head, which helps get things started correctly. Good to read a few sets of instructions and look at pictures so you really understand what you are doing.
Without the cam blocks, it is easy to be slightly off on the cams and never know it. I recommend that special tool at a minimum. I have done it without the rest or by improvising as to the rest. You can use the back end of a drill bit for a flywheel lock. I have done the job several times with no flywheel lock pin since my flywheel did not have a hole. There is a TDC mark on the front cover.
purple > you
Why risk it? Just buy the tool.
ßMW///MµrÐêr§þðr†
Yeah,
if you're getting into E36 BMWs... you're most likely gonna STAY INTO them for the haul or longer.
Buy the tools. They're cheap, fancy and scented.
isturning over a new leaf
lol!!!
-M3J0N
Member
Member
So you’re telling me that I do not need the cam locking tool or the fly wheel Locking pin too do a head gasket on my 00’ e46 m52.!
Member
Bro - you just res'd a post from 2011.
Repent.
ßMW///MµrÐêr§þðr†
He Smelt the Tools.
Member
Obviously your still on it lmao
Facebook.com/LUXFAB
You bumped it my guy.
Member
That was my first time in this thread...
Member
Laughing my ass off! Thank you
ßMW///MµrÐêr§þðr†
YelcomeLaughing my ass off! Thank you
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