N62 Valve Stem Seal Replace - best tool?
 

My 2003 X5 4.4 152k mi looks like it needs valve stem seals. Rough idle, misses on cold start, and occasional puffs white smoke on start when cold. Much better in warm weather. From another post where I asked around, likely valve stem seals which seem to be a common problem on the N62.

I have seen a few tools on ebay to do the job with the engine in place. The left bank #2 is pretty close to the firewall on the X5 so not much room which has me concerned about doing this without pulling the engine (which I am not going to do :)).

Anyone have any experience using either the AGA N62 Seal Master's Tool Kit or these other tools advertised on ebay? One is available for about $380. The other kit from AGA is about $1000 or can be rented for two week period.

Neither requires the camshafts to be removed, but there doesn't seem to be much room to work near the firewall.

Thought to see what the experiences are before plunging in on this.

I did mine using the AGA Tool Kit and I can say it looks scary but all in all just take your time and be careful- take lots of pictures of everything you remove and you should be fine.

Bunch of guys on here have done theirs, I’d tou search valve steam seals you should find a bunch of info [emoji106]

Gentleman on here goes by X5Only who I believe may rent the tool kit to you if you get in touch with him directly.

Let’s us know if you need anything.


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I used the less expensive Amazon tools, which worked good for me... except I didnt use the keepers tool.. just used long flathead screwdriver, grease, and a steady hand. a few keepers you can install with grease on fingertip on the exhaust valves area.

also, you need your own spanner with the cheaper kit.
must have a magnet and good lighting too, or dont bother getting started.

the back near the firewall is a struggle both sides as i had to use mirror, but I didnt remove hood.

I started bank 1 as I had more room.

also, I used rope. rope almost stuck one time though, as I initially cranked piston too hard against rope.

I was only getting smoke left exhaust on extended idle. The old seals just had bigger hole.

no smoking now.

2005 4.4 Left Hand Steering

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Don't start the procedure unless you first buy some extra valve keepers ! if one goes flying and you can't find it again, big big trouble for you !
It's a MUST to rent the best tools you can that can help compress the valve springs. When performing this procedure on a 4.7L Chrysler Magnum V8 16 valve engine, it was amazing to perform with the OEM tools manufactured by kent-moore. I had to use a 20 inch 3/8 ratchet and attached to the end of a handle was a ratchet strap to keep force to compress the valve springs while I could work inside. Some thick bearing grease and a small extension wand magnet can help to install and remove the keepers. I would typically install the new stem seal, install the spring, install the top washer, pack the valve stem with grease so to aid the keepers to stay in place.
Another thing is you need to have shop air regulated at about 20-30 PSI with a threaded adaptor into the spark plug bore.This will keep the valve from falling down while performing the service.
Working at the back of the engine is tough... I used a sturdy construction step and one of those durable and soft 'kitchen prep mats' for people to stand on... place it over the radiator support and that gives you a nice cushion to lean all the way so to access the back of the engine !

Quick note, though air works, it can be unreliable, if your regulator fails, line ruptures, compressor craps out... that valve drops- yes, all “extreme” circumstances but I’ve seen them all happen. Rope works a treat too, but as mentioned, has a tendency to bunch up and snag and get “caught” in the cylinder. My personal, favorite choice for holding up the valves is a nice rapped and smooth bungee cord. Feeds into and out of the cylinders nice and smooth and being rubber internally it doesn’t have the tendency to kink up and snag like rope and can’t “fail” on you like air. In addition, being rubber internally it gives you some “bounce or squash” on the compression stroke so that you know and feel it’s set in place. Again, just my personal favorite, to each their own [emoji106]

And to whoever mentioned it - GOOD CALL - on ordering some keepers, may also want to order a spring cap or two as well, you’d be surprised how those go missing.... boooiiing....


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Great info. The last time I did this was on an International Scout 6cyl. That was easy and the engine swam in the engine bay. Only 12 valves. I used nylon rope. Like working on a lawn mower compared to the N62. The X5 is much tighter, so the "ask" before I get into this. Thanks all.

Your X5 is a 2003 therefore has the M62 engine. I don't recall the M62's ever having the valve seal issues. Make sure its not something like the CCV