m54 head removal Q

[WhoNew]

Posted this in e46 section and no reply sooooooooo.

Quick question for those of you who have taken the head off an m54.I got the head*bolts*loose, the two small torx looking bolts in the front (that go into the front cover) but the head is still attached at the front of the head somehow.*The rear of the head will lift up a few mm, but I can tell there is something still in front. Looking at*pics, it seems the lower cam*chain*guide also goes through into the front cover. Is this what I am missing ? I managed to get the sprockets and chain off without removing the chain guide, and my 3/8*drive*E8 socket wouldn't fit in there. Is this the final bolt I'm missing, or is there something else

[kmp]

I think there are 3 skinny bolts that go through the front of the head. I pulled this one about six months ago, so I can't remember for sure. If you look at the pic, there is one bolt in each corner and one bolt just to the right of the area where the chain goes through.
Be careful when lifting the head over the timing chain guides. They are plastic and very brittle. If you break it, you have to remove the timing cover! Get some help or use an engine hoist.



http://s1148.photobucket.com/albums/...t=P1020612.jpg

[WhoNew]

Thanks for the pic. That's where the lower chain guide is.

Guess I'll have to get a 1/4" drive e8 socket.

[uk525td]

its the chain guide in the top of the head some of the bolts go into the block
been there done that

[WhoNew]

Yeah, that was it, I Had to get a quarter inch drive socket to get at it.

Head is off !!

[Hans Gruber]

Is there a special tool needed for the 2 torx bolts in the chain cover? I have all bolts removed except those. A nut driver maybe?

[WhoNew]

Nope, just used a 1/4" drive socket. They are physically smaller, and will fit down where you need them to go. I just used a 1/4" extension and rachet.

[WhoNew]

Nope, just used a 1/4" drive socket. They are physically smaller, and will fit down where you need them to go. I just used a 1/4" extension and rachet.

[Hans Gruber]

Thx I'll give that a try