E70 N62 Rocker Arm Fallen

[Toothbrush]

Originally Posted by ard

So e31bev = e70jane?

I have seen ONE other example of someone misapplying the valve stem retainer clip and having similar issues.

But parts just 'falling off' inside and engine??? Would really want to understand how.

+1 I know when I had an issue, it was definitely me that was the cause.

Originally Posted by e70jane

... I do plan on fixing this on my on own, by replacing the spring and the lifter only. And yes, what I don't understand is the part where I may need to compress the cylinder. Is this really necessary? I was thinking only to compress the spring, remove the valve keepers, and swap out the spring.

Not sure what you mean by compress the cylinder or why you need to replace the spring and lifter. Is there other missing or broken parts?

In order to put the rocker arm back on you would need to:

1. Ensure that cylinder is top dead center (TDC)
2. Keep that cylinder at TDC using air or rope or the method of your choosing
2a. Now that the valve stem can't fall down into the cylinder
3. Compress the Valve Spring down using something like AGA's N62 valve stem seal tool kit, just enough to give you room for step 4
4. Using only your hand/s, place Rocker Arm back on the lifter and valve stem correctly
5. Decompress the Valve Spring
6. Drink beer

This assumes nothing else is wrong with that engine and the parts involved are all in good shape.

Originally Posted by e70jane

...One more question toothbrush, from your experience, do you think that a fallen rocker arm is the result of a hesitation problem on my truck?...

I'm certainly no expert, but I would guess it's certainly related. Whatever caused the rocker arm to come off in the first place is probably the cause.

[e70jane]

Originally Posted by Toothbrush

+1 I know when I had an issue, it was definitely me that was the cause.


Not sure what you mean by compress the cylinder or why you need to replace the spring and lifter. Is there other missing or broken parts?

In order to put the rocker arm back on you would need to:

1. Ensure that cylinder is top dead center (TDC)
2. Keep that cylinder at TDC using air or rope or the method of your choosing
2a. Now that the valve stem can't fall down into the cylinder
3. Compress the Valve Spring down using something like AGA's N62 valve stem seal tool kit, just enough to give you room for step 4
4. Using only your hand/s, place Rocker Arm back on the lifter and valve stem correctly
5. Decompress the Valve Spring
6. Drink beer

This assumes nothing else is wrong with that engine and the parts involved are all in good shape.


I'm certainly no expert, but I would guess it's certainly related. Whatever caused the rocker arm to come off in the first place is probably the cause.

Been doing some research and I now have a better understanding. Instead of the rope method that you've mentioned in order to keep the valve from dropping into the oil pan, you could also apply air pressure to the cylinder to keep the valve up and closed. In any case, I think I've discovered how the rocker arm fell off. It's because the hydraulic lifter is frozen or stuck. I can't even pull it out with my fingers. Therefore, this may have caused to rocker to dislocate itself and tossed out of it's seat. On the other hand, the valve spring seems fine as I don't notice any play or even a snapped coil or anything unusual. Although I do hear of springs weakening overtime, I'm going to bet against that due to such low mileage on the motor. So I will only replace the lifter and call it a day. Only thing I'm trying to figure out now is whether I need the cylinder at tdc to fit the rocker back into place. It looks like compressing the spring should give me enough clearance.



Thanks again everybody.

[Toothbrush]

Originally Posted by e70jane

In any case, I think I've discovered how the rocker arm fell off. It's because the hydraulic lifter is frozen or stuck. I can't even pull it out with my fingers. Therefore, this may have caused to rocker to dislocate itself and tossed out of it's seat.

The lifter should slip right out with very little effort. If it's truly stuck, that could indicate other problems.

Perhaps others with more expertise can chime in with additional steps I'm sure you need to take.

Might be really helpful to know...

Was this X5 sitting somewhere for a loooonnng time without being driven?
What's the current condition of the oil?
What's the exact type of oil in it now?
What's the oil level?
How often has it been changed in distance (KM/Miles) and time (months)?
When it was running, did it make any loud ticking noise?

[e70jane]

Originally Posted by Toothbrush

The lifter should slip right out with very little effort. If it's truly stuck, that could indicate other problems.

Perhaps others with more expertise can chime in with additional steps I'm sure you need to take.

Might be really helpful to know...

Was this X5 sitting somewhere for a loooonnng time without being driven?
What's the current condition of the oil?
What's the exact type of oil in it now?
What's the oil level?
How often has it been changed in distance (KM/Miles) and time (months)?
When it was running, did it make any loud ticking noise?

With a flat head screwdriver the lifter actually came out pretty easy. I ordered another OEM lifter for $15 so I'll replace it anyway. Now I'm going to again remove the valve spring to see if its broken and will go from there.