Smoky starting, are there valve stem oil seals on 325i

[Wilson]

Can I just replace some valve stem oil seals on a 325i M20 engine. In my old S1 RS Turbo, you could replace valve stem oil seals easily.

Is this something fairly simple with the M20?

anyone done it? whats involved, and what should I know?

Thanks
Wilson

[Borderbmw]

There are ways of doing it without removing the head,but ive not used a system that works that well,i still prefer to take the head off,i know on the cvh head you can use a compressor that screws onto the rocker studs but thats due to the design of the engine really.

[Wilson]

Thats what I used to do with the CVH, take the rockers off, compress the valve spring, take the collets off, replace oil seals, just had to be careful that you didn;t drop the valve into the cylinder, I used to turn the angine so that the cylinder I was doing had the piston at the top.

would rather not take the head off...!!!!!!

Cheers
Wilson

[Borderbmw]

You can do it with levers and a pivot bolted/clamped somewhere but ive never tried it on a bmw engine so im not sure what there is to bolt to etc

[Andy_magic]

Good old CVH

If you don't find a way to do it without taking the head off at least you will have chance to grind all the valves in and clean up the combustion chambers so everything will be nice and fresh.

I know it's alot more work but it is worth it.

[Borderbmw]

Thats what i did with mine,it gives you a chance to change the head gasket and have a good look round for anything other possible problems,now or future,you can do it in a day(if you dont find a warped head like i did on my mates TVR griffith rover V8! )

[Andy_magic]

What I do is get a second head, sort it out beforehand and then plonk it on. It makes the time without a car much shorter.

You also get chance to do a better job too as time is on your side.

[Adammcf]

How do take out the old stem seals? I tried tonight with a set of fine pliers and it just ripped the seal apart without taking it out at all.

[bullitt]

Adam..

You will need a proper set of seal pliers as the old seals will be hardened by heat & oil..

Like these..

http://www.sptools.co.uk/catalogue/inde ... word=plier

Try and borrow a set or take the head to a garage..

To replace them use a 10mm socket & a blob of grease in the new seal to help it slide on to the guide and tap it home..

[Adammcf]

I think I'll just leave the seals on the head and get them taken off by who ever tests/refaces it.

[twintrack]

Never done it on a BMW head but if you use long nose pliers try not squash them and sort of wiggle and pull while keeping pressure on them so the pliers dont slip, depends how much room there is right enough

[Wilson]

Well got the engine in the E30 today and started first time... it didn't seem as smoky as what it was in the 5 series, so might not need to change the oil seals yet... I'll run it for a few days see what I think!!

Cheers
Wilson