E30 Zone

HI I am looking to replace the Vanos housing on my M52B28 engine and would like some advise. Before removing the Vanos housing, I will lock the camshafts with the lock tool. I will not be able to insert the lock pin into the side of the engine as this has the m20 flywheel on it and will not have the hole to accept the lock pin.

Can I get away with just locking the camshafts to remove and replace the Vanos unit? if not how else can lock the engine before removal and replacement?

You dont need to lock the engine, just make sure its at TDC

DanThe wrote: ↑

Sun Aug 29, 2021 7:56 pm

You dont need to lock the engine, just make sure its at TDC

Thank you for the information.

When I put the engine at TDC the cams will have 2 dots facing up on both inlet and exhaust cams. This indicates the engine is at TDC and this is when I put the cam lock tool to lock the cams in place, correct?

You need a more accurate way of aligning the crank than the orientation of the cams.
Use the mark on the front pulley or get a long rod into No 1 plug hole

DanThe wrote: ↑

Mon Aug 30, 2021 9:02 pm

You need a more accurate way of aligning the crank than the orientation of the cams.
Use the mark on the front pulley or get a long rod into No 1 plug hole

Thanks for the advise, I have now successfully replaced the Vanos housing.