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Hi all. Got the lower pulley off with a three jaw puller very easily. And have begun process of removing various covers to start overhaul. In Nathan's DIY video he removes each vanos before he removes the upper timing chain covers, however I have been advised that this is unnecessary as the covers slide over the vanos. Also, given how disassembled the motor is, I hav decided to remove the cams and check the lifters. If I find any are stuffed, should I replace all of them? How long do they normally go for before failing? Lastly, sometime ago I learnt about a product called 'Slick 50'. The original formula had a name for causing big improvements to fuel economy and engine longevity however over the years the formula was changed to the point that most of the earlier claims didn't arise anymore! Anyhow, while wasting time on YouTube I discovered the inventor of the 'origina'l formula was still alive and is producing his original formula under a new name 'Xcelplus'! I bought some and the economy (of my 1989 E34 535i) has improved to about 22 mpg around town and 27 on the highway, which is pretty good!
Anyway if someone could answer my questions ( need to remove vanos actuator and life of lifters) that would be great! Regards John
Last edited by johndownunder; 07-24-2017 at 04:19 AM.
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Lifters usually do not wear out unless an engine has been run out of oil or extremely overheated. You should consider cleaning the lifters using this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ySf0r8GGMOY
Each lifter needs to be installed back into its original position, so come up with a good method of keeping track of them. Using empty egg cartons from the supermarket will work fine.
I have an M62, not a VANOS engine, but I'm sure the covers can be removed on their own. Many here have done chain guides and do not have to remove the VANOS with the covers.
I suggest you get a copy of the BMW TIS from eBay. The disk is only about $10. It has step by step procedures on everything in the car.
02 e39 540i Sport (Son), 01 DINAN 7 (Me), 12 e70 X5 x35i (Mrs), 95 e34 525i (Daughter 2), 01 e46 325Ci vert (Daughter 1)
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Thanks Kouks, checked out that video and just realised that's 32 lifters I have to overhaul! Man this engine is going to be running smooth! Thanks again, John
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What are the reasons to check/overhaul/replace your lifters? In one of Nathan's videos, he mentioned to check them if you had timing guide failure, as bits of plastic could get stuck inside the lifters.
Current: 2007 Z4 M Coupe (blue/black)
Previous: 2001 740iL Sport (black/black), 2000 528i Sport (black/tan), 1995 318is (black/black), 1991 318is (white/black)
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I was only thinking of cleaning them as the engine was so disssembled. However, if someone out there thinks a 100,00 mile motor would mean the lifters should be fine, then I might leave them alone given the amount of work to clean 32 of the little buggers. Incidentally, I bought my camshaft locking tools from German Auto Solutions. Gary there put me on to their DIY slide show covering the overhaul of the timing chains and guides etc. It is by far, the clearest and most comprehensive guide on the web. Everyone interested or planning this job should check it out! John
Last edited by johndownunder; 07-26-2017 at 05:01 PM.
Member
I bought the same tools and followed the same guide. You're right it was a perfect step by step process.Originally Posted by johndownunder
'01 740i Sport MKIV, Quad Brake Lights, OEM Bi-Xenon retrofit, LED Angel Eyes, HID Fogs, LED Plate Lights, Dinan 7 certification, BM53 radio, OEM Sirius, Aux Input, TCU Bluetooth, Intravee II, iPod, Strong Strut, Dinan Struts, Springs, Camber Plates, Intake, MAF, CAI, Exhaust and Throttle Body
'99 318ti Titanium Silver '97 318ti Boston Green; '96 318ti Alaska Blue (sold); '08 X5 4.8i Titanium Silver (sold); '13 X5 3.5i Black Sapphire Metallic (sold)
'84 633csi Black (sold); '88 325iC Black (sold); '97 740iL Black(sold); '01 740iS Black(sold); '97 318ti Alpine White (sold)
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Did you elect to do your lifters? If not, what mileage was your engine?
Member
No, I did not do my lifters and my engine was around 236k miles/380k km. Still running strong as can be at 275k miles now. When I finished with the work, including rebuilt Vanos gears, felt like she was brand new again.
'01 740i Sport MKIV, Quad Brake Lights, OEM Bi-Xenon retrofit, LED Angel Eyes, HID Fogs, LED Plate Lights, Dinan 7 certification, BM53 radio, OEM Sirius, Aux Input, TCU Bluetooth, Intravee II, iPod, Strong Strut, Dinan Struts, Springs, Camber Plates, Intake, MAF, CAI, Exhaust and Throttle Body
'99 318ti Titanium Silver '97 318ti Boston Green; '96 318ti Alaska Blue (sold); '08 X5 4.8i Titanium Silver (sold); '13 X5 3.5i Black Sapphire Metallic (sold)
'84 633csi Black (sold); '88 325iC Black (sold); '97 740iL Black(sold); '01 740iS Black(sold); '97 318ti Alpine White (sold)
Member
Ok great, might give them a miss then.
Member
Had a lot of trouble getting lower housing off. One of the sump pan bolts snapped off!!!! Couldn't drill a hole to use a removal tool due v difficult access (it was one of the corner bolts) so ended up grinding it flat with a dreamer and narrow cylindrical stone. Some part of broken chain guide also in the way but eventual gave way and out! Hallelujah, would have been stuffed otherwise. Question, my alternator housing has a creamy coloured coating that I initially thought was a calcium build up but doesn't dissolve with careful application of acid! Did some of the housings have a protective coating of paint?? Thanks
john
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