Author Topic: M42 Head Gasket Replacement Tools Question. (Read 2855 times)

Serge · « **on:** June 10, 2009, 04:44:23 AM »

Hello from Australia, I'm about to start my head gasket replacement on my M42 e36 318is, what I want to know is do I need to use the tensioner tool or is that just for the 6 cylinder? also is the deep e12 socket (special tool) required to remove the head studs or any ordinary e12 socket will fit? thanks in advance. Serge.

derek9702 · « **Reply #1 on:** June 10, 2009, 09:21:12 AM »

I did not use the tensioner tool, you can use the existing tensioner to "hold" the chain tensioner.

You can use any E12 socket, but you will have to remove the cams. Just be very careful, as the cams are hollow and can fracture. Back off each nut on the cam holders a 1/4 turn at a time starting from the center.

Good Luck

BadCab · « **Reply #2 on:** June 10, 2009, 11:46:57 AM »

I did this over the past week. I had bought a Craftsman E12 socket and it was too big to fit. I found one at the local parts store (advance auto) that was thinner and it fit fine. $20 for the set of sockets as opposed to $50+ for the 'special' tool. If your removing the crank bolt don't forget to get the crank holding tool. Made taking off the crank bolt easy as hell, best $50 i spent on the project.

Glen

Serge · « **Reply #3 on:** June 10, 2009, 09:22:23 PM »

Thanks for the reply guys, very much appreciated. Serge.

psyyambmw · « **Reply #4 on:** June 12, 2009, 03:31:40 AM »

Yo! check this out, actully, it's a write up of an m44 but it's almost the same except the oil pipe to the head cover though.

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=582124