M20B25 Cambelt Change

[Chimmychanga]

I'm planning on changing my cambelt but I want to make sure that I have all the parts required before I start. I have been unable to find a definitive list and don't know if there are any hidden gremlins either. I am also planning on adjusting the valves as well.

So far I know i need:
Cambelt and tensioner
Waterpump
Valve Cover Gasket
Maybe an oil spray bar
Coolant
Spare nuts for valve cover and maybe studs

Does anyone know any other parts that I need. I have seen there are some oil seals and also aux belts. Do these need replacing as well?

Any help is appreciated.

Thanks

[AussieM20]

You will want a Cam Seal and Cam seal plate O Ring. Check your Alternator Belt, Power Steer ans A/C Belts prior to doing the job and replace if required.

Regards
Greg

[xavier]

I did mine (323i) and the best thing I did was buy a fan spanner. when I came to take the fan off I needed to use a 32mm spanner to get the fan hub off. It needs to be quite a slim spanner also. I Bought one for about $20.00 dollars here in Australia. I think Halfords used to sell them in the UK for a similar price in sterling.
The only other thing is time. It was pretty strait forward, but it took quite a few hours. I am, however, not the best amateur Mechanic in the world.

[town325i]

You will want a Cam Seal and Cam seal plate O Ring. required.

Regards
Greg

What for its not a Ford best to leave it alone unless its leaking

[kman82]

As Aussie M20 said, check your power steering and alternator belts. Also check the condition of the rachets on both of these, When i did mine the racthet (adjusting bar?) was so badly corroded as soon as you slacken off either the power steering pump or alternator both rachets could no longer be used so had to wait for replacements from bmw.

With your water pump, I had problems with a cheap gasket so my advise would be to buy a bmw one

[HJG-E30]

yea 32 mm spanner available in Halfords. £10
Fairly tight getting the spanner down there, but it fits and it works.

[Chimmychanga]

Thanks for the replies everyone.
Is there any way of checking the condition of the seals without taking the cambelt cover off?

[clarko74]

I got one of these 32mm spanners from ebay which worked well: >Clicky<

I would also advise that you check the condition of all your coolant hoses, mine were the originals and didn't like being taken off and put back on again, the cam belt change went fine but a couple of the knackered old hoses split a few days after refitting, which wasn't great.