Thanks gregg .... just pm’d u

...

.. learned

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4749/...78ebc7ac_k.jpg[/url]DSC04100 by gregg brodka, on Flickr

Awesome...thanks gregg

Not sure if you're done, but I did the valve stem job back in September (2017) and struggled like everybody else to get the valve covers off without replacing the eccentric sensor/s. However, when it was time to put it all back together, I got my wife to take a look since she has a good eye for that kind of thing and she gave me the best advice ever.

I wish I had taken a pic, but if you can imagine turning the cover nearly vertical, have the front at a slight angle towards the opposite side of the vehicle, you can slide the back corner of the cover right over the eccentric sensor first, and then on/off the engine without too much effort.

You just have to get the angle just right, but if you do it relieves a lot of stress and there's no need for any brute force. I did it with the cross bars and everything AC related in place

I finally got Flickr setup.
I'm not sure why some images are larger than the other but hey, at least we have images.
:)

Last 2 valve seals
 

I'm down to the last two valve seals...both the intake side valves closest to the firewall...for those that have done this job, how the heck did you do those two valves?! I've removed the intake for better visibility and clearance (plus I'm doing the valley pan and coolant transfer pipe while I'm in there), but there is so little room to work and even less visibility of the actual valve, spring and retainer due to the cradle that holds the cam position sensor. I'm literally laying on top of the engine and can barely see the top of the spring. I'm able to get the AGA tool on the top of the spring and can compress it for rocker removal, but can barely see the retainers (so not sure how the heck I'm going to get them back on, even w/ the special AGA tool), and did a dry run w/ various hose pliers and cannot get any of them to reach the actual seal for removal. Any hints, tips or tricks you guys can recommend would be greatly appreciated.

I've even considered saying "screw it" for those last two, but I'd really hate to give up having done the other 30 seals.

Lastly, gregg, thanks for updating the flickr acct and getting those pics back up...immensely helpful!

You are welcome, I have to update all my other write ups still.....

Regarding the valves you are doing right now; and I have not but am thinking out-loud, any chance you can kick the engine forward?
I mean; any chance you can jack the transmission side up, any chance you can loosen engine mounts in front and possibly tilt one side of an engine vs the other?

Regarding removing valve keepers: once you release pressure on the valve keepers, you do use a magnetic wand to pull them; correct?


Finally; speaking with BMW mechanics I know, the book calls to pull the engine but I do know they do the work with the engine in the car, so it must be possible.

Good Luck (I still need to do my valves).

Thx gregg....yes, using magnet to pull the keepers off the valve once compressed. The challenge is getting them back on for those last two valves as it's difficult to get a good view of the top of the valve so that I can guide the keeper tool onto the valve stem.

I'll have to look into the tip on moving the engine forward....appreciate the feedback as always-