BMW E46 Replace Valve Stem Seals (head in car) DIY #m54rebuild 10

I began my rebuild when I did a compression test and noticed I had poor compression in cylinders 2-6 (about 142 psi, the bottom of the service limit). Cylinder 1 head 160 psi. A leakdown test showed leakage into each adjacent cylinder. Of course my engine also had the oil consumption problem (1 quart every 1000 miles) that every M54 engine has, which is caused by the oil rings which wear down prematurely (the M52TU used different oil rings which did not have this problem). There was also coolant loss, which I didn't measure precisely.

All you need to make my installation tool (which can also be used as a remover, btw) is some 1/4" thick steel stock about 1" wide by maybe 2 ft long (just in case you make a mistake cutting it).

You also need some basic metal working tools, such as a drill and drill bits, a cut off wheel, maybe some files to smooth down the burrs. Nothing major.

This video is for entertainment purposes only. 50sKid assumes no liability for any repairs or modifications performed by the viewer as a result of the information contained in this video.

[pcicraftsman]

Bro you're a good man. I don't mind supporting someone like you. You deserve it for many reasons and you actually contribute greatly to humanity. I hope you become a multi trillionair.

[despizedicon]

It's a fact, making your own tools is just part of being smart with mechanical repairs. Great stuff as usual 50's Kid.

[mcycleserv]

another good video .a good tip when replacing the valve collets is to have a thin flatbladed screwdriver and grease
small amount of grease on the inside of collet and on flat blade of screwdriver so collets sticks to screwdriver and then just place collet on valve stem and it will stay there ...magic lost a collet doing it this way

[VincentMMoore]

You are 100% correct with the positive self-talk, when you realize the Lisle tool doesn't work for re-installation. This channel is like reality TV except with integrity, humor, and authenticity.

[xvsxnick]

Modern problems require modern solutions. True mechanic moment

[GimpSlayerGeneral]

Possibly cut and Glue 3 x uprights for your home valve spring tool. So glad you are doing this work and giving everyone the benefit of your serious apt and altruism. Big fan....

[mule]

You by far the best on you tube.. I have a e39 530i Dec 2003..i like the e39 more then the e46 because the engine bay has more room to work on but I still think you are the best to watch cause the engines are simular and you explane everything so calmly and precise

[daleyurk]

Great video, and brilliant idea for the home made spring compressor! I am loving this series. Can't wait for the next one. Keep up the great work.

[bobkos]

Love the out-of-box thinking on this tool. Definitely adaptable to other applications and can be made on demand. Thanks for sharing!

[ChazRinehold]

you have saved me thousands of dollars and hours of frustration with your videos, thank you so much brother. power on my friend.

[leavanoroux]

Love the spring compressor idea, i have seen other tools but your idea is by far the best i've seen. All you need to do i weld all three pieces together.

[javiergrant]

You are my hero! I actually still have (and plan to keep “forever”) my E46 because of your videos. 👍🏾

[josephguzman]

For anyone curious, I made the 3 pieces using thickness 5.12 MM metal, the height of the piece that gets sandwiched between the other two pieces is 55.70 MM. Fyi

[sambking]

Great home-made tool to get the keepers on....and off, really. I would plug the oil return holes to be safe. Pretty cavalier with those keepers around that engine. You drop one of those keepers in a return hole and you have, in a split second, created all sorts of trouble for yourself. Love the videos! Be careful and keep up the great work!!!

[seismojones]

I know this is 7 years old now but I just ran across it while searching for how-to videos on doing the same on my N55 engine (2012 X5 E70).
I have high oil consumption and exhaust smoke after the engine is hot, then off and on every few minutes after. Sounds like valve stem seals are a strong suspect.

Anyhoo - great video and your patience is something I strive for. If I'm you in that video, I'm dropping f-bombs all throughout.😄

It's interesting though, that I can't find one single video on replacing valve stem seals on an N55 but I'm guessing it's pretty close to what you're showing here.

[mikewhite]

Scary watching those vise grips on that valve stem seal. I work on safety relief valves which of course is a complete different animal but a bent stem is a bad day. And I imagine a galled stem is even worse on an engine. Good video though lots of great info.

[jongkeunlee]

so creative. That home made spring compress. u are a genius.

[TheRobphobos]

Nice use of the spare parts to compress the springs for the retainers :)

[robertknight]

Thank You so much for your videos. I really liked your valve spring compression tool and will use your idea when i do my son's car this weekend.

[shumanimushavhela]

Thanks Jason. I will definitely try this, been having some blue smoke and wanted to tear down the head gasket again.