Time for valve stem seals... 2005, 4.4i, 113,000 miles

[andrewwynn]

I replaced about ten valves not too long ago. Removed them with a pair of pliers and a piece of pipe I cut a slot out the side. (Helper held the spring tension at Bay)

The learning curve on installing the valve keepers was steep, it took dozens of attempts but i can say that the idea of some grease is a very good one. I would maybe just use some engine oil as to not introduce additional mix of lubricant. I was able to do them all dry by using this method:

Using a very pointy tweezers, set the keeper bottom first into the groove on the higher side of the valve stem (let gravity help), then very carefully rotate that keeper to the bottom side (this is where the oil/grease will come in very helpful) then repeat with the second keeper.

Once you figure out your method and get on the groove it will feel easy, don't fret if it takes a while to learn how, I dropped the keeper dozens of times, lots of cussing involved during the learning phase.

I didn't have the official valve spring tool so I made one from the $13 model from harbor freight. I cut the feet to reach in and hook under the opening in the head.

[Purplefade]

Everything ordered and shipped, should be here Fri/Mon, planning on starting the tear down next week / weekend.

With all of the videos and help from this forum, I am feeling very confident about the job and actually starting to look forward to the opportunity to cleanup a lot of things up while I’m in there!

I will definitely keep the forum in the know as I go and post my experience with the job when I’m finished.

That said, if you read the post from X5only - that dude is thorough!

[CleanIsFast]

godspeed purplefade

Does someone have an entire parts listing?

[Purplefade]

Originally Posted by CleanIsFast

godspeed purplefade

Does someone have an entire parts listing?

Thanks brother!!

Parts List:
Valve Stem Seal Kit - 1134029751 x2
Valve Cover Gasket Left - 11127513195 x1
Valve Cover Gasket Right - 11127513194 x1
Cam Position Sensor O-Ring - 12141748398 x4
Valvetronic Actuator Seal O-Ring - 07119903596 x2
Valvetronic Actuator Seal Small Gasket - 11127518420 x2

I ordered a bunch of other stuff as well, but I figured while I was in there, there are a bunch of other things I’m going to do as well.

[X5only]

I would replace the upper timing cover gaskets as well. They do leak and so it's wise to replace them now since they require the valve covers to be removed anyway. The driver side upper timing cover requires the alternator to be slide out a bit so as to reach the cover bottom bolt.

[Purplefade]

Originally Posted by X5only

I would replace the upper timing cover gaskets as well. They do leak and so it's wise to replace them now since they require the valve covers to be removed anyway. The driver side upper timing cover requires the alternator to be slide out a bit so as to reach the cover bottom bolt.

Totally agreed! I was posting more of “only what was required to do the VSS directly”

That said, I ordered those as well as new Vanos o-rings, vacuum pump rebuild kit and a number of other goodies along with a new alternator bracket gasket as well


As a “just in case measure” I also ordered the upper and lower dipstick assembly and associated o-rings - though I am going to be VERY CAREFUL with mine when I’m in there 🤞🤞

[SlickGT1]

The alternator gasket was a useless order unless you plan on taking apart the bottom part of the front clip. That’s a mofo mission in its own. But if you can do vss, you can do the Devil gasket as well.

[X5only]

Originally Posted by SlickGT1

The alternator gasket was a useless order unless you plan on taking apart the bottom part of the front clip. That’s a mofo mission in its own. But if you can do vss, you can do the Devil gasket as well.

I did the alternator gasket and, oh boy, it was a bloody &!@^%@ to replace. It was a nightmare but eventually I got it done. I find the VSS project was much easier and enjoyable in comparison, just more time consuming.

[EODguy]

You aren't kidding about the alternator gasket. I rather masturbate with a cheese grater, cause even though it's mostly painful it's at least slightly amusing...

Sent from my SM-A730F using Tapatalk

[Purplefade]

Ha! “Devil gasket”, “Masturbate with a cheese grater” - you guys crack my ass up, that’s historical!

I know it’s a total bitch... but I have the slightest bit of dampness that I managed to track back to what I think is that mofo bracket... so I figured... while I was in there I might as well do a little suffering... TRUST ME, if I get everything cleaned up nicely and I find it to not be that gasket - I will happily forego that torture for when it’s absolutely necessary!!

With FCP being so easy to return to, I figured I would err on the side of have and not need vs need and not have... and then have to wait. That said, for what the odds and ends parts set me back, I’ll shelve them until I do need them since it really isn’t if, it’s more when...