oil spray bar

[aimlessrock]

am looking at doing some maintenance on the cabby tomorrow and read a threat recently about checking the oils spray bar (mine is a M20 prefacelift cabby) as it can get blocked and starve the top of the engine of oil.

Do i just unscrew the bar and remove it from the head to check and clean??..is that all thats required to remove/refit it?

any input would be most welcome.

cheers

[Morat]

You might want to get a rocker cover gasket first. If you don't, you'll definitely need a new one ;)

[aimlessrock]

Already have one Morat, but good point...is removing it
just a case of unscrewing to remove?

[PG325]

They easily unscrew and lift out.

I carefully drilled the outlet holes using a small drill, I think 1 or 1.5mm, then filled it with carb cleaner, let it soak then blasted out with an airline.

[capri_rob]

They easily unscrew and lift out.

I carefully drilled the outlet holes using a small drill, I think 1 or 1.5mm, then filled it with carb cleaner, let it soak then blasted out with an airline.

THIS

IIRC I bought a 1.5mm drill specifically to do this but it only made the holes marginally bigger - you may be able to go to 2mm but its your call.

If you dont have access to an air line soak it in carb cleaner or petrol, and then tape up all but one of the holes and blast it through with more aerosol carb cleaner moving the tape to uncover one hole at a time until they are all flowing freely.

[e30topless]

ideally you would replace it, a new spraybar used to be around £12-£15 from the dealers but it's a while since i have bought one ?

[daimlerman]

Be worthwhile checking to see if cleaning is needed first.
With the rocker cover off and the engine idling,you should be able to see oil running out of the spray bar holes.Do not be tempted to rev the engine,though,as you will cover everything within 5 yard with oil.....

[Jim320i]

Matt at ECP should be able to get you a spray bar new for not much I know he had one, not sure if Kedge had one too.

[capri_rob]

ideally you would replace it, a new spraybar used to be around £12-£15 from the dealers but it's a while since i have bought one ?

IIRC when I enquired last year they were approaching £50 with discount from the stealers

[aimlessrock]

Update, just back from the cabby and the spray bar is dribbling oil out, and only on 3 jets..looks like it blocked. The bar is also bent and twisted!

£50.00 for a new one is a little steep!. ..have just sent Matt a Pm.

Failing that has anyone got a descent used one for sale for a M20 B20.

cheers!

[Meatballs82]

I have one in stock but its reserved for Kedge, can get another one in this week, around £40 I think

[aimlessrock]

Thanks Matt, pm me when its in mate and i will have it off you.

Thanks

Gary

[clipper]

I have read that threading the inner part of a bicycle brake cable through the tube and connecting it to a Dremel is a good way of cleaning it out.

I have not tried this though, so take no responsibility for destroyed spray bars, destroyed Dremels, or toothless children after "mysterious bicycle brake sabbotage" induced accidents....

[Meatballs82]

Have ordered a few in from BMW - should be here by Thursday

[Andyboy]

No ne3ed to buy new - just run a 1.5mm drill through the holes and clean it out with carb or brake cleaner. It'll never block up, the oil supply to the lobes is greater and it makes no difference to engine oil pressure.

[aimlessrock]

i did think about cleaning it Andy, but mine is also bent (kinked) and looks like someone in the past has and tried to straighten it out..badly...

i would rather replace it mate.

Matt, drop me a pm when they are in matey.

Cheers

Gary