Another Valve Adjustment Thread - m20-e34

[WVe28]

I plan on doing a valve adjustment on my 1990 525i in the morning. I don't have access to an open end wrench large enough to turn the crank at the moment, and I saw an interesting method of turning the cam in an article written for an e30. It said that you can lift one rear wheel off of the ground, and when you turn it, you will turn the cam. Will this work on an automatic e34 with a non-lsd?

Thanks for the help....................

[Bimmerguy2002]

dude just use channel locks or vi*e grips, neutral and rolling it would work alternatively

[WVe28]

Okay, so excuse my ignorance, but what I'm really trying to get at is will this work on an automatic. I know it does on a manual trans car, but I haven't heard of anyone doing this with an auto. Also, I have quite a limited space to work with, so that's why I inquired about the one wheel off the ground method.

[turbodan]

No workie with an automatic. You pretty much either need a wrench or will have to bump the starter.

[WVe28]

Thanks Dan. That's what I needed to know. So what would be the most accurate way to bump the starter? Diagnostic port? Anyone know what pins to jump? I know, I know. SEARCH. But if someone knows off the top of their head...........
Also, I would assume an e34 has the same pins...

[Funfive]

Alternator bushing is probably due for a change. Buy a new one one CHEAP, and abuse the old one for cranking over the moda. Two handed method, your favored hand on the wrench on the alternator center bolt, and other adding additional tension to the belt. When done the valve adjustment, change out the old alternator bushing for a new one and good to go.

Works good on an M30 anyway. M20I have no idea.

This e and i concept intrigues me. Years ago I built a special purpose 283 Chevy with Edelbrock SP2P intake and matching camshaft, with the entire project designed end to end for efficiency. I suppose it could have been called a Chevrolet ETA.



I guess the Bavarians said hey! Break me off a piece of that!

[stuartinmn]

If you pull the spark plugs to relieve the compression, you'll probably be able to turn the engine over by pulling on the fan belt with your hands.

[Shawn D.]

So what would be the most accurate way to bump the starter?

That's an oxymoron!

[stuartinmn]

I have seen guys use the jack-up-the-rear-wheel-and-turn method, and it does work pretty well as long as you have a manual transmission.

[WVe28]

I did the valve adjustment today, utilizing the starter method of turning the crank, but while in there I noticed something strange. Most of the rockers have a nice, even, oily brown coating, but the two upper rockers on cylinders 5 and 6 looked a little different. They looked less oiled and have some sort of residue on them. Is this something to be concerned with? Also, when I took out the spark plugs, the cyl. 6 plug was a little loose. Could that cause this?

Here are some pictures. Sorry about the size, but I wanted you to be able to see the detail of what I'm talking about.

Spark plugs -- The one on the left came from cyl. 6. Notice the threads are covered in some oily, black substance.

Valves: