Valvetronic Eccentric Shaft Replacement N62

[blndweasel]

Hi all, this is my first substantive post here. Backstory, I picked up a 2009 4.8i Sport knowing it smoked at idle. I took the easiest route first, replacing CCV diaphragms, then valve cover gaskets.

When I got to the valvetronic motors, I found one with two missing screws, one loose screw, and one that was completely cross-threaded. I believe this incorrect mounting led to play along the axis of the valvetronic worm gear, and caused chipping on the gear faces of the eccentric shaft. Picture attached.

I decided to purchase the camshaft fixture 11 9 470 and related pieces, as well as a used cylinder head off a donor N62. I swapped the eccentric shaft into my engine successfully. The job was actually quite fun, given I already had the cylinder head covers off.

I did the valve stem seals while I was in there, using the AGA tool set. I won't expand on that, because it's off topic.

Here is the list of special tools needed, which I assembled from TIS:

Camshaft/Eccentric Shaft Bridge:

11 9 470 - intake camshaft and eccentric shaft bridge (tool I purchased included all the accessories listed below)
11 9 472 - bearing bracket to intake camshaft alignment piece
11 9 473 - knurled fastener - main
11 9 474 - knurled fastener for securing tool 472 (L shaped) to bearing caps 2 and 3
11 9 475 - "centering sleeves" for aligning special tool 472 (L shaped) to bearing caps 2 and 3

Valvetronic Spring Installation/Removal Tool:

11 9 480

Valvetronic Spring protector sleeve:

11 9 490 *** See attached photos, I purchased some generic nylon spacers found in the specialty hardware section at my local Home Depot

Camshaft Alignment Tools:
11 9 190, 11 9 460, 11 9 461, 11 9 462, 11 9 463 (Standard kits include all of these tools)

Parts:
11377615379 - needle bearing for eccentric shaft (4)
Eccentric shaft position sensor (I put new ones on both sides, you might re-use yours)
Upper timing case gasket
Vanos solenoid seals (might as well while you're in there)
Cylinder head cover gaskets, and everything else you would do as part of a cylinder head cover replacement.

I'm not sure if I have any brilliant observations to share, it was all relatively straightforward and well documented in TIS.

If anyone has questions, feel free to ask.

[mr_robot]

Can the whole eccentric shaft assembly be removed with the cylinder head still on the car/engine?

Mine might need the intermediate levers replaced so might as well pull the whole thing out and also do the vss once it’s off as it will make it easier (in my head at least)

[blndweasel]

Yes, the eccentric shaft can definitely be replaced with the cylinder head in the vehicle. What you see pictured in my post is only the donor cylinder head I ordered on ebay.

If you need a set of intermediate levers, I've got em - although I'm curious, why do you think they need replacing? They seem like a low-wear item, with roller actions on both friction surfaces.

You will need the bridge tool, this aligns the intake camshaft during eccentric shaft installation. I am preparing to sell mine as I don't expect to use it again. I can keep you posted if you are interested. Only used once!

One thing is for certain - for the VSS job, get yourself a topside creeper. Even as painful as it is thinking of how bad my chest hurt after lying on that thing for 12 straight hours, I'm sure it beats whatever insanity you would subject your back to if you did this any other way. When I did my first valve cover replacement, I was climbing on top of the forward cross brace, and I remember almost throwing out my knee.

[blndweasel]

One other pro tip for this job - not depicted here. When you replace the eccentric shaft, you may need to transfer the shaft position magnet from the old eccentric shaft to the new one. In my case, the donor head was from an E65 and the magnet was different. I used a 36" utility ratcheting bar clamp with rubber pads on the vice ends. I clamped this down super hard on the gear face in the middle of the shaft, then held on to the end of the bar clamp for leverage as I torqued the fastener on the magnet. Worked like a charm.

Also not mentioned above - as you will have to remove both camshaft gears for this job, note that these bolts are one-time use, and must be replaced. Be smart and order yours ahead of time, or you will pay $30 for Amazon next day delivery like me. For TWO bolts. Ughhh.

When you are loosening or fastening the exhaust gear bolt, the oil cooler hard lines are in the way. Same applies when removing or installing the upper timing case cover on that side, actually. I was able to somehow fit a very specific combination of ratchet extensions in between the two hardlines and engage the bolt to apply the prescribed torque to the fastener. I wish I could explain better. Bottom line, figure out how to extend your connection to the fastener outward toward the front of the vehicle to clear the lines, while still being able to connect your torque wrench in the space forward of the engine, behind the radiator. It's pretty tricky, but definitely doable.

Lastly - no matter what anyone says, it is absolutely possible to accurately torque every fastener you touch on this job. It is a matter of having 1/4" inch-pound and a 1/2" foot-pound torque wrenches and a lot of different length extensions in order to position the wrench in a spot where you have access to achieve enough range of motion. The valve covers are very tricky. BUT DOABLE.

[ard]

Nice thread. Thanks for posting this.

[dynomtie2222]

Let me know if you want to sell the tools you used.

[ard]

Or rent... Deposit to cover the replacement cost. Seems common with other tools; sub-frame stuff, AGA valve stem tools, etc.


GL!

[AussieXer]

Thanks for the post. I might need to do that job myself soon. Where did you source the eccentric shafts?

[750LiN62]

Hello,
I am looking for a 11 9 470 Valvetronic Bridge Support and related tools to rent /buy or if someone in the Seattle area wants to setup my eccentric shaft swap for me....


thank you

gene
2007 E66 N62

[AussieXer]

I am about to tackle this job and this post is probably the most valuable resource I have found. Thanks a lot.