Posted this on Technical Q&A but only 1 response, so I thought I might have more luck here... I'm trying to remove the inner cam cover of my 400i engine. Ideally I'd like to remove the bar between the red circles in the pic, but at a pinch I could disconnect the joint in the yellow circle. So far I've loosened the clamps on the bar, but I cant see a way of sliding it out. The ends don't appear to have any hexagonal bits to undo? Any help greatly appreciated. Dan Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Dan I will not make an attempt to tackle the method to take out the long shaft between the red circles that you really want to remove. However, I balance my two cylinder banks two weeks ago so I know about the linkages in the yellow circle. Unblock the two lock nuts, one is LHT and one is RHThread. This will allow you to completely unthread the connecting shaft from the two end pieces. Rotating one way extends the shaft and one way shortens the shaft (actually the shaft does not change in length but I am sure you know what I mean). Extend it fully until it comes out of both ends. I suggest you make some kind of paint mark before doing this so you can be at least close with the length when you put it back together. Is this enough for you to pull cam cover? If you really want to remove the end pieces from the pivots they are ball and socket joints and will pop out if done correctly. I am not sure of the method for these joints but on Weber joints they come apart with a little effort and pop back in on reassembly. I hope this help a little. Ken
Thanks Ken for the tip on the 'yellow' linkage. I've got the ball and socket joints apart. They are actually quite complex, you have to remove a tiny split pin which holds a grub screw in place, then unscrew it enough to release the ball.
