No More Ticking

"JYPark" (gr1p) 05/02/2015 at 17:55 • Filed to: GR1P, GR1Pe30, Em, BMW, e30, Project Car, Build Thread, Blog, Startup, App, Mobile App, WebApp, Social Network, Media, Car, Automotive

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So I’ve been tied up recently working out this weird issue where Em would just die while driving, seemingly randomly. This post is a little overdue for those reasons but better late than never!

I noticed some ticking and given that I have to rev the car up to 4-6000rpm for it to shift out of first after a cold start, I figured it was important to do a valve adjustment right away.

The valves weren’t actually too bad. A few of them were still in spec but a few needed some adjusting. Take a look under the valve cover! I don’t know if anyone can relate, but I love mechanical systems. To think these shafts spin thousands of rotations per second while spark, fuel, and air have to be precisely timed to keep a car running smoothly. It’s easy to take for granted.

This is actually the second time I’m doing a valve adjustment on this era BMW. The first time was in California last summer on a e24 6-series. That’s a story for another post.

Here’s the result: valves in spec, edges cleaned, and new gasket installed.

Not having my own place with a garage, I’ve so far done all my work in my parent’s driveway/garage. They like to use the garage as storage so I offered to help clean it all out. Of course, I had an ulterior motive: throw out as much junk as possible and make room for tools and space to work!

Got to have the right tools for the job! Hmm, I seem to have forgotten to put my feeler gauges on the table before snapping a quick photo, oh well.

Here she is, all done!

JYPark

itranthelasttimeiparkedit > JYPark 05/02/2015 at 18:34

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haha before I saw the pic with the intake manifold, I was thinking I need to do my valves on my e30 tomorrow after I finish the timing belt (hopefully.) How hard is it?

JYPark > itranthelasttimeiparkedit 05/02/2015 at 18:45

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What a coincidence! If you can do the timing belt on your own, the valve adjustment will be a piece of cake for you.

http://www.e30zone.net/e30zonewiki/in…

Here’s the guide I used. Goodluck dude!

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > JYPark 05/02/2015 at 18:58

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Is that a GS 350 as well?

itranthelasttimeiparkedit > JYPark 05/03/2015 at 16:25

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havent finished it but got everything apart. I am going to wrap it up next weekend. Hard to put in 6 hours straight with a kid, but everything has been pretty straight forward so far (first timing belt)

JYPark > itranthelasttimeiparkedit 05/03/2015 at 17:23

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Ahh nice, I tried to do mine a while back.

Got everything off, then got stuck because I couldn’t get my fan clutch off. The wrench I had was too thick and nowhere local sold a thinner one. I also didn’t have access to anything to grind the wrench down. Eventually gave up and took it to a shop (had to have the car done before the weekend was over to get to school). Oh well, I know for next time!

JYPark > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 05/03/2015 at 17:24

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The father’s.

It’s a GS350 f-sport. I convinced him to go with the f-sport which he “regrets” because he never drives very fast haha. Fun for me for the few occasions he lets me drive it!

itranthelasttimeiparkedit > JYPark 05/03/2015 at 20:39

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bike wrench off amazon was $9. the stupid holder tool was $30 from pelican but I can see how doing it without would suck. I’m wondering the last time they did the belt, that sucker was STUCK.

I also was talking to my buddy about swapping a 535 motor eventually and had a better idea. k1600 motor. 160hp @ 7500pm w/ a 6 sp sequential shifter...