M42club.com - Home of the BMW E30/E36 318i/iS

DISCUSSION => Engine + Driveline => Topic started by: sakukurata on September 10, 2008, 02:00:21 PM

Title: m42 tools needed
Post by: sakukurata on September 10, 2008, 02:00:21 PM
:eek::D
I am going to fix blown head gasket of my 318is. I bought Bentley, 101 Performance Project by Wayne, and some other BMW manual. None of them discussed M42 engine head gasket replacement. I found the article of Tim Thurber at http://www.timthurber.com that mentioned about M42 but was too sketchy. No mentioned about special tools for timing: flywheel locking, camshaft locking, or chain tensioner. Is it because M42 without vanos that we don’t need those tools? I need step by step information as clear as possible as what Wayne did it in his book. Do I need new head bolt? I did change the thermostat and water pump. Suppose the cylinder head is crack where can I repair it (see at Wayne’s book)? Sorry, that I have so many questions. I am a new BMW mechanic by mistake. I appreciated any suggestions and helps. Thanks!:confused::rolleyes:
Title: m42 tools needed
Post by: batsbats on September 10, 2008, 02:39:50 PM
I'm assuming you bought the E30 Bentley.  The M42 isn't in there.  It's covered in the E36 Bentley along with the 24v straight 6 motors.

The '91 318iS is kind of a freak that  requires both Bentleys.  I think there is an online manual in the FAQ Reference section though.
Title: m42 tools needed
Post by: KenC on September 10, 2008, 05:28:57 PM
I would pick up an e36 Betley... everything is outlined in there.

I just checked out that website.  You don't need to remove the intake manifold to change the headgasket.  It's a pretty simple procedure.

You will need new head bolts.  They're expansion bolts.

You don't REALLY need to lock the crankshaft.  You can eyeball TDC on cylinder 1 with the head off.  Just don't move the car in gear before you pop the head back on.

You ARE probably going to want to locate a cam locking tool though.  Some people eyeball it, but I would just rather be totally certain.  I would see if a local BMW tech has one that you can borrow/rent.

In any case, buy the Bently for the E36... well worth it.
Title: m42 tools needed
Post by: EN318isPDX on September 10, 2008, 06:06:01 PM
Quote from: batsbats;56457
I'm assuming you bought the E30 Bentley.  The M42 isn't in there.  It's covered in the E36 Bentley along with the 24v straight 6 motors.

The '91 318iS is kind of a freak that  requires both Bentleys.  I think there is an online manual in the FAQ Reference section though.


That's what i did! I already owned the E30 Bentley from my first E30, found a link to a E36 bentley here on this forum within the first week of owning my 318is
Title: Loaner tools
Post by: NoSnooz on September 11, 2008, 09:23:58 AM
Speaking of specialty tools... I'm new to the forum. Is there a tool "rental" list on this board like the one the guys put together on the Diesel Benz board?

Here's the post:

http://www.mercedesshop.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=126728&highlight=loaner+tool


Curt
Title: m42 tools needed
Post by: Wise Old Dog on September 11, 2008, 06:01:55 PM
The tool rental program on the MB board works pretty good.  It is populated by owners of tools for all models of MB. I have one listed myself. It's worth a look see for this board.
The only problem I see is that this M42 board is so specialized, that there may not be very many tools to list for our cars. And the tools needed are relatively inexpensive as compared to the MB tools.

I'll start it off: I have a complete valve timing tool set, cost me about $150. Would someone here be willing to rent it for $xx plus 2 way shipping, for 1 week.

Here's how it works: Someone interested in renting this tool would send me $150 via PayPal. I would send the tool, and when you are finished using the tool you would send it back. Then I would refund your money minus the rental and the shipping I paid. That eliminates the PayPal fees on the whole amount.

Does anyone think this would work?
Lets see a list of tools you guys have.
If it is decided that this would work, it would need to be in a Sticky.
Title: m42 tools needed
Post by: KenC on September 12, 2008, 12:34:30 PM
There really aren't many specialized tools required for the M42.  A cam locking tool is about all you really need.

What does your "valve timing" set consist of?
Title: m42 tools needed
Post by: sakukurata on September 12, 2008, 01:14:53 PM
Thanks guys for the replys.:)
Do I need to adjust timing for m42 or it is automatic adjustment?
:confused:
Title: m42 tools needed
Post by: rob_e30 on September 12, 2008, 01:19:14 PM
It needs to be done properly and is not automatic.  I marked the cam gears and took photographs of the locations/alignments when I pulled the head the last time.  I have done this job 3 times without any speciality tools.  The first time I replaced the gears and chain as well.  However, there is very little margin of error in getting the timing gears aligned.
Title: m42 tools needed
Post by: monty23psk on September 12, 2008, 01:33:12 PM
I posted on the other forum, but will continue on this board if you have questions. More m42 viewers here to help out.
Title: m42 tools needed
Post by: Wise Old Dog on September 12, 2008, 09:29:37 PM
Quote from: KenCopperwheat;56585
There really aren't many specialized tools required for the M42.  A cam locking tool is about all you really need.

What does your "valve timing" set consist of?


Camshaft alignment tool, Flywheel locking "pin", and the chain tensioner tool.
Title: m42 tools needed
Post by: KenC on September 12, 2008, 11:20:25 PM
What's a chain tensioner tool?
Title: m42 tools needed
Post by: Wise Old Dog on September 13, 2008, 06:58:35 AM
Quote from: KenCopperwheat;56617
What's a chain tensioner tool?


It looks like a piece of threaded rod with a threaded sleeve on it. You screw the sleeve into the hole where the tensioner goes, and then screw the rod into the hole to apply pressure to the chain.
The spring loaded tensioner in the engine does not apply enough pressure to the chain to allow for a correct adjustment.  
It basically "loads" the chain to simulate the tension on the chain while the engine is running. If this tool is not used, the timing will be off a little when the engine is running.
Title: m42 tools needed
Post by: sakukurata on September 19, 2008, 06:00:09 PM
:D
I bought the Camshaft alignment tool, Flywheel locking "pin", but don't have the chain tensioner tool (could be replaced with something else?).
When you take the head out do you have problem with exhaust manifold. The position is quite hard to reach. I just loosen the four exhaust bolts. But I think is better to leave it intact in the head. What is your experience? Please give advice!:o
I just work slowly if I have time.
Thank You.:cool::)
Title: repair crack head
Post by: sakukurata on September 26, 2008, 10:15:35 AM
:DHi every body!
I found my M42 cylinder head cracked. I appreciate if somebody knows where I can repair it. I saw in Wayne’s book is repairable. That is exactly the same location in his picture. I live near LA, or OC in California. Thank you.:confused:
Title: new used head
Post by: sakukurata on October 01, 2008, 09:51:04 PM
:DAfter I heard several advices I decided to buy the used head ready to put it on with the price $550. Tomorrow I’ll get it. I give you information next time!! Thank you!!:(:rolleyes::cool:
Title: m42 tools needed
Post by: big red on October 06, 2008, 06:32:29 AM
Hey sakukurata. Thanks again for your help (casting # for head). Had to find your thread when I heard you just did your head. Bummer it was cracked. How was the job? Any snags? Hope it was straight forward. Let us know how it turned out.
Title: swap cylinder head 318is
Post by: sakukurata on October 10, 2008, 01:59:41 AM
Today I finished put together all the engine part: gasket, cylinder head, timing chain sprockets, thermostat, and engine cover. I need to put intake and exhaust manifolds, all hoses related and fan blade and all belts. I flushed the milky oil that was like coffee milk from Starbucks. I hope I can start tomorrow. Lesson: Take pictures all the hoses and attachments that make your life easier. Separate the nuts: exhaust and intake (because each has different characters). Remember always put black silicon at the intersection chain covers. Hoses location is confusing unless you have examples in the pictures. From this experience I think you didn’t need special BMW tools (but already bought tools because lack of experience). Be careful with hollow camshafts because is fragile. When you tighten the nuts one step at a time and follow the instruction.  I’ll see you again when I finish.:D
Title: hoses is jungle but labels make different
Post by: sakukurata on October 11, 2008, 07:22:30 PM
:pToday I am finish. Last night I start the engine, but won’t start. Then I remembered something. This is important to remember always take pictures when you unplug the hose from any connection or put the labels. The next important thing, never disconnect the muffler just detach from cylinder head. Make sure that you put the mark incoming and return fuel hose from the injector rail. I hope you will success in your swap the cylinder head.:D
Title: m42 tools needed
Post by: monty23psk on October 13, 2008, 10:50:51 PM
congrats.
Title: Block and head come back tommorrow ! (i hope )
Post by: big red on October 14, 2008, 12:48:23 AM
:D Congrats Sakukurata !!! Glad to hear it went well.  :D  Hoping for the same luck. I did most of what you said, and took a million pics, so hopefully it should go back preaty easy.:rolleyes::p:rolleyes: If i can get pics on, I'll post some. Cheers again. And thanks.
Title: Thank to friends in this forum
Post by: sakukurata on October 15, 2008, 10:51:35 AM
Say Thank:D:p
Hey guys I appreciated of what you support me to do my project. I am done because of your support. Even though is only virtual support it is really moral support and courage to finish it. It is almost a month. But I am glad that I can joint in this forum. BMW is my new field. I used to work on Japanese cars. And because I am more that half century of age so lack of energy and hard to learn. But repair is my hobby.
Hey Alex, thanks man. I hope I'll see you in this world some day! Adios!!:cool::)
Title: m42 tools needed
Post by: monty23psk on October 15, 2008, 01:51:40 PM
no problem, anytime.
Title: Ain't that the truth !!!
Post by: big red on October 15, 2008, 09:39:02 PM
:D If it wasn't for this forum, I wouldn't have attempted the engine rebuild I'm doing right now too! You, and everyone else, have be awsome withsupport and help. It was nice to be in the same boat with someone !! Glad everything worked out. See around the forum :D
(http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq234/bigred2/DSC00207.jpg)
This is where I am ! :eek: