What did you do to / for your E53 today??

[LA02MAX]

I replaced 4 valve stem seals today (cylinder 1). Only 28 left! Lol

It took me about 2 hours using the AGA tool set, working slow and getting used to the process. I started with the leak down tester method to keep the valves suspended, but then I switched to the rope method (much easier in my opinion). It’s definitely tedious work, but I don’t think it’s particularly difficult. The thing that gave me the most trouble was getting the old seals off the valve stem. I have the hose pliers that everyone suggested getting, but I find myself wishing the tips were at a 90 degree bend angle instead of a 45. It’s hard to get the right angle and get a good grip on the intake valve seals.

My seals don’t look too bad, but they’re definitely hardened compared to the new ones and the inner diameter is bored out a little. I’m sure I would have started to see smoke in the next 10-20k miles.

[crystalworks]

Wait! You're doing this and you don't even have smoke yet?! Mucho respect. Good work and keep up the progress.

[sandbagger]

you might be able to find some spark plug wire pullers that are at a 90deg ?

I have the 3.0L so no worries on this motor but many years ago I did seals on a Ford Tbird Turbo Coupe, 2.3L I4 I swear the stem seals were bakelite (hard plastic) I just used vice grips and they exploded, new rubber seals just slid on nice

[andrewwynn]

Heat the pliers with a torch until cherry red at the bend and add 45°. You could quench to maintain some hardness but won't be needed.

[LA02MAX]

Originally Posted by crystalworks

Wait! You're doing this and you don't even have smoke yet?! Mucho respect. Good work and keep up the progress.

Yeah I’m just doing this as preventative maintenance. I figure at this point in its life, the job is right around the corner anyway. And I’m fixing a valve cover and upper timing cover leak, so I don’t wanna have to buy all those associated parts again

I bought this specifically as a project car, and i have to say I’ve had a lot of fun with it. My bank account hates me since I’ve purchased about $10k in new parts, but I’m having fun lol

Originally Posted by sandbagger

you might be able to find some spark plug wire pullers that are at a 90deg ?

I have the 3.0L so no worries on this motor but many years ago I did seals on a Ford Tbird Turbo Coupe, 2.3L I4 I swear the stem seals were bakelite (hard plastic) I just used vice grips and they exploded, new rubber seals just slid on nice

I’ll look into those pullers, thanks. I’m taking this slow, only working when I have a few hours to do a full cylinder, so I’ll have some time to order something that will work better. I have several busy weeks/weekends coming up so I won’t have too many free evenings to work on it. The seals on this car have a metal shell, but the “rubber” part is more like plastic now.

[Bdc101]

I figured out what K&N equivalent cone filter to buy for my aFe intake and got it on. The old filter was looking pretty gnarly.

[zener]

Ordered new fuel pump for the E53, hopefully it will fix the lean issue...

Fitted style 168 to F10. Wish I had coilovers already, could lower it 15-20mm more.

[Bdc101]

Good lord that car is beautiful

[Fifty150hs]

Replaced the center drive shaft bearing that I replaced last year when I was chasing a strange noise. Had over 260,000 miles on it. Replaced it with a Febi unit I purchased from FCP (lifetime warranty). One of the welds was shitty and detached from the underlying metal. Got another one from FCP. We'll see how long this one lasts. At least the replacement was free.

[ajacks8]

Originally Posted by Fifty150hs

Replaced the center drive shaft bearing that I replaced last year when I was chasing a strange noise. Had over 260,000 miles on it. Replaced it with a Febi unit I purchased from FCP (lifetime warranty). One of the welds was shitty and detached from the underlying metal. Got another one from FCP. We'll see how long this one lasts. At least the replacement was free.

If the replacement doesn't work out...it looks like JXB performance has one for e53 that releases in a few weeks. Quality of the one I just received for my e70 seems good and excited that ds doesn't need dropped for installation of two piece unit. Site does not show for e53 yet, but after recently tying into ECS...it shows on their site available for pre-order, shipping April 28th. Just thought you might be interested to know options.


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