I got the common cam problem, need advice

[daboy3000]

I have a 318i cab '93. It won't rev over 4500 and sounds like skeletons wanking in a tin can. I have bought a new cam kit that includes cam, tappets, spray bar etc. I'm also going to change the water pump and cam belt etc.

Should I have the head removed and skimmed while i'm doing this or is that not necessary/waste of time. It will cost a lot more so need to know if its worth it?

Apart from that issue it drives nice, no overheating etc so I think the bottom end is fine.


Also - Drivers seat lever, the one that adjusts the back is missing/broken, can these be replaced or do I need a new seat?

[Brianmoooore]

M40 cam can be changed without removing the head with no problems.
The 'pod' on the side of the seat is easily changed. With the seat out of the car and the backrest removed, you remove a little clip from the centre, lift a little, hinged locking lever, rotate the whole assembly a little, and lift it off.
There are pics. on here if you do a forum/wiki search.
You can greatly extend the life of your seats by taking out both the driver's and passenger seats, swapping the 'pods' from one seat to the other, and reinstalling the driver's seat base as the passenger, and vice-versa. You can swap the backs over as well, but the tilt levers won't be where they should.

[daboy3000]

Ok thanks, I guess the main thing is should I or do I need to have the head skimmed?

[Brianmoooore]

No reason whatsoever to remove the head and skim it, if there's nothing wrong with that area of it.

[daboy3000]

OK great, I have a new cam kit, going to order a gasket, belt, pulley, water pump and tensioner.

Is there anything else I should get dome at the same time? I'm sure I read something about fuel lines?

[Brianmoooore]

Consider sending your injectors off to be refurbed.
See 'Injectortune' on our traders' forum.