VANOS rebuild - conclusions

[DMike]

To add, I think there could be a fourth option for VANOS unit removal: Looking at realoem one could order new threaded rods (studs) for a quid or two, then just cut and replace those that cause any trouble. They’re just M6 rods, OEM 07129904544 and 07129908109.

[enuff_zed]

To add, I think there could be a fourth option for VANOS unit removal: Looking at realoem one could order new threaded rods (studs) for a quid or two, then just cut and replace those that cause any trouble. They’re just M6 rods, OEM 07129904544 and 07129908109.

Having not done this...............yet.................I'll throw in probably a daft question then.
If the rods can be unscrewed to be replaced, is there an option to screw them out during removal of the unit, so it all lifts out together?
I guess you would need enough thread protruding to lock two nuts on the end? This is where my knowledge grinds to a halt.

[bigwinn]

To add, I think there could be a fourth option for VANOS unit removal: Looking at realoem one could order new threaded rods (studs) for a quid or two, then just cut and replace those that cause any trouble. They’re just M6 rods, OEM 07129904544 and 07129908109.

Having not done this...............yet.................I'll throw in probably a daft question then.
If the rods can be unscrewed to be replaced, is there an option to screw them out during removal of the unit, so it all lifts out together?
I guess you would need enough thread protruding to lock two nuts on the end? This is where my knowledge grinds to a halt.

I took a lot of counsel from the guys on here who had done this and was prepared for the worst:

However on mine (2.2 so may be different clearances on bigger engines) a combination of undoing the front crossmember and levering on the front of the engine it popped out to complete surprise. I did have a contingency of undoing an engine mount and seeing if that gave more room but never needed it!

Also you aren't a million miles from me (ish) I'd happily help out!

[enuff_zed]

To add, I think there could be a fourth option for VANOS unit removal: Looking at realoem one could order new threaded rods (studs) for a quid or two, then just cut and replace those that cause any trouble. They’re just M6 rods, OEM 07129904544 and 07129908109.

Having not done this...............yet.................I'll throw in probably a daft question then.
If the rods can be unscrewed to be replaced, is there an option to screw them out during removal of the unit, so it all lifts out together?
I guess you would need enough thread protruding to lock two nuts on the end? This is where my knowledge grinds to a halt.

I took a lot of counsel from the guys on here who had done this and was prepared for the worst:

However on mine (2.2 so may be different clearances on bigger engines) a combination of undoing the front crossmember and levering on the front of the engine it popped out to complete surprise. I did have a contingency of undoing an engine mount and seeing if that gave more room but never needed it!

Also you aren't a million miles from me (ish) I'd happily help out!

Thanks for the offer.
I always worry and over-investigate these things more when it's my own car.
Then I remember pulling Tornados apart and happily sending them off to blast around at zero feet, so why the hell do I worry about a car!!
If I got stuck I would certainly give you a shout, but I'd never knowingly inflict the A17 on anyone.

[bigwinn]

Kudos for that- I for one am very sad they are no longer gracing our skies, having grown up at cottesmore its in the blood!

If I can do it in 4 hrs you'll walk it. Biggest problem I had to overcome was getting the new caps BACK on as they were a more snug fit and no leverage to be had

I'm always up and down to Elveden so A14 (now Huntingdon is sorted) is a breeze!

[enuff_zed]

Kudos for that- I for one am very sad they are no longer gracing our skies, having grown up at cottesmore its in the blood!

If I can do it in 4 hrs you'll walk it. Biggest problem I had to overcome was getting the new caps BACK on as they were a more snug fit and no leverage to be had

I'm always up and down to Elveden so A14 (now Huntingdon is sorted) is a breeze!

Ah, Cottesmore. I stuffed a Capri through a wooden fence there, just where you turn off to the camp. Hit a snowdrift that had blown across from a field. 1986 that was, when I was young and foolish.

[bigwinn]

Kudos for that- I for one am very sad they are no longer gracing our skies, having grown up at cottesmore its in the blood!

If I can do it in 4 hrs you'll walk it. Biggest problem I had to overcome was getting the new caps BACK on as they were a more snug fit and no leverage to be had

I'm always up and down to Elveden so A14 (now Huntingdon is sorted) is a breeze!

Ah, Cottesmore. I stuffed a Capri through a wooden fence there, just where you turn off to the camp. Hit a snowdrift that had blown across from a field. 1986 that was, when I was young and foolish.

Werent we all bud!