CSL Engine Rattle - Help
 

Had a look at some historic posts and Id appriciate some help>

Background> 2003 CSL with 65k miles bought with engine fault which resulted in fitting a 40k mile engine froma damaged CSL. Engine fitted and valve clearance service done at the same time but there were shims out which was a worry.
Current situation> valve clearances all good but engine sounds bad and mostly coming from around C5. Inspection shows damage to the cam and to the rocker but likely more damage on others.
Advice needed please>
1) I looked on you tube and there are some great videos of how to take the vaonos off and I wondered if I got a cam locking tool is it easy enough to replace the cams and rockers?
2) Do I need any extra special tools?
3) Already spent lots on this car and looking for the fit for purpose solution. So do i get a set of good used cams and new rockers from BMW or get a new set of Shrick and followers?
4) based on the above do I need a remap as I want to keep it right.
5) Anyone got the part i need?

Cheers in advance.
Nigel

Hi Nigel,

Best advice I can give you is to find the cause of the damage and the noise first before buying cams etc etc.

I would start with a compression and leak down test to see if the head gasket is intact especially between cylinders 5 and 6..

as for the damage to the cams and rockers its probably due to oil starvation, some CSL's have had this problem

I would not attempt to do the cams and rockers yourself....setting the timing on these takes skill!

No need to remap at this stage....first get it running 100%

Hi Nigel
It sounds like the same as what went wrong with my engine
It got a new engine under warranty

Have you had the sump off to check the big end shells before you start buying cams ?

I have had a local specialist ex BMW technican do some work so far and he has confirmed the cam damage so hopeful that this is the extent.

Thanks for the feedback. I get the feeling another engine is the best option or a rebuild, EEEEKS!

Everything below the head is stock e46 m3 right?

Hi,

If your going to change engine route, which
if you have confirmed cam damage, makes
sense [metal filings in oil].

If your wanting to keep the engine CSL Spec,
then you could purchase a S54 engine, and
fit your existing Exhaust valves and a pair of
replacement CSL cams.

With a good clean, a lot of your existing parts could
be salvaged, and you could retain for spares, or sell.

If your going to 'upgrade' with CR/Cams/Rods etc, then
if your existing block/crank are good, then your existing head
would clean up, you have good valves hopefully,
then its how far you go and how much you want to spend.

Unless your Racing then a stock rebuild makes sense.

Regards,

The Gorilla.

Yes, only difference is one cam and exhaust valves.

Block/pistons etc are the same

+1

Oh and told that taking cams off and replacing them involves removal of the head. Is this a fact?

Its all fiction before I have a look. Then it turns to fact.

No.

Replacing followers is head off. Just cams then no.