318is cam swap

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tim_s
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Post Tue May 24, 2005 9:02 pm

Anyone done this before, Is it difficult?I take it the head can stay on? Can I loosen the chain by just removing the tensioner from the side or is it a bit more involved? Anything else I should know. Really should buy a book of lies....
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tim_s
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Post Wed May 25, 2005 11:02 am

anyone?!
Demlotcrew
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Post Wed May 25, 2005 11:26 am

Well i did my chain by myself yesterday, and it was easy.

I dont know if i would like to only take the top half of the chain system off.

But you will need to take the top sprockets off. ALso you need a special tool to take the cams out as they are very brittle and will crack because of the springs and valves.

Andrew
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Post Wed May 25, 2005 11:46 am

I am changing mine this friday..will try to follow the instructions from here

http://www.esatclear.ie/~bpurcell/318istimingchain.html
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tim_s
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Post Wed May 25, 2005 1:57 pm

hiya. thanks for replies. am not on about changing the chain - the one in there has done less than 50k, is quiet and has a new tensioner in it. i want to put slightly wilder cams in (schrick profile is 252/10.4, think factory is 242, 9.7?). I am aware that the cams are hollow, as with the M50/2, and was planning on removing the cams the pelican parts way, which is:
-get the engine in TDC, move the block around 45 degrees ish so all pistons are away from valves
- move cams around (obv with chain off) so that all valves are closed apart from on cyl. 1
-get assistant to hold cam in position as you remove bearing caps from 2,3,4 (no pressure on these lobes as valves closed)
-slowly slowly remove cyl 1 bearing cap (under pressure from lobe).
if that makes sense.
not too worried about the old cams as long as i dont snap them as they'll be exchanged for the reground ones.
i take it nobody's done this before then?
so how difficult is it to get enough movement in the chain to get it off the top sprockets?
I didn't think there would be a problem not taking the whole chain off - I'll mark everything off in TDC, and can't I just TDC the block when the new cams are in, re-align the cam sprockets and turn the engine by hand one complete cycle with the chain on to make sure everything stays in line?
If this is gonna be a pita job i might get somewhere to do it for me :(