Time for some work...

[TECN1K]

200K is pushing it on those plastic components (guides, OSV) You'll be in there again in 100K, or you should at least. Depends on how much time it takes you to rack up those miles.

I've seen guides done @75K but they only put 7.5K a year on the truck.

YMMV

[weiln12]

@TECN1K - And that's what I'm afraid of. I KNOW I'll have to be in there again, and if it doesn't need it now then I don't want to do it.

I tend to rack up miles. I got the X5 in August with 138K, and now it's at roughly 150K. I average around 20K per year if not a bit more. But, that means I only have to deal with it every 5 years.

Now, another thing to keep in mind is I would like (gotta convince the wife) to get the VF supercharger for this thing in the next few years. I know that will add stress to the components. However, I could just do chain guides and chain at the same time as the supercharger if/when I do that. But now I'm getting ahead of myself.

[weiln12]

Do I need any specific adapters for the leak down tester? I can't seem to find anything specifically for the M62, or BMW in general, which leads me to believe they're all universal.

Also, after reading the 4.6 thread, the Beisan seals don't look too bad so I think I'll go for those. The savings is just too much to try and deal with.

[David.X5]

No, they are pretty universal, based on spark plug thread sizes. Compare threads to the spark plug. One size should match.

You will need to get each cylinder to TDC for the measurement.

[weiln12]

@David - Yeah, I'm aware I need to get to TDC. Still thinking about how to do that, was thinking turning the crank manually to get each cylinder to TDC? I'm hoping the Bentley I ordered will detail which cylinders are TDC at the same time. I'm thinking two should be at the same time?

[David.X5]

I don't know the firing order by heart. In general, there are two easy ways - put a wooden dowel or plastic rod into the cylinder and watch it careful as it rises. You can check your work with a digital caliper if you are very particular. Since you have the valve covers off, you can also watch the cams/valves - the cam lobes should be aligned nicely so that the valves are all up and closed. Since this engine has hydraulic lifters right under the cams, you can't see the valves themselves, but can watch the cam lobes.

And, heck yes, you need a Bentley manual!

[weiln12]

All parts and tools and everything have been ordered, and will be arriving this week. I've already got the Bentley and everything, and we're good to go.

Had to order the timing chains today, as well as the crankshaft pulley holder and a couple more tools. Still need to pick up the 3/4" breaker bar from Sears sometime this week to get the crankshaft bolt off.

I started cleaning the parts, and that process sucks. What degreaser does everyone use? The heavy duty stuff from Harbor Freight is about worthless, and the degreaser from O'Reilly goes way to fast to use. I've cleaned out the intake for the most part, but the valve covers are still bad, as well as other parts.

I'm hoping to have everything done by the end of the weekend so I can get her back on the road!

[TECN1K]

[admranger]

Just get the 3/4 breaker bar from Harbor Freight. You're not gonna use that more than a couple of times in your life is my guess.

[weiln12]

@admranger - Honestly, I'd rather just pay the $30 for the Craftsman without a swivel head vs $23 for the Harbor Freight with a swivel head. I've heard some people have issues breaking the pins in the swivel head models. And while I may only use it a few times in my life...if I break it I'm still gonna be pissed.

Now if it were $23 vs $80, that'd be a different discussion!