I have ordered a cam and shorty header from RMW and I need the cam holding tool to change the cam. I have done a search for it and can seem to find where to rent or borrow one. The tool p/n is 11 8 250 and I am located in Phoenix AZ. HELP!!!!

 

If you are planning on taking on a cam change yourself you should have a manual like Haynes Mini Manual to guide you. On page 2A-6 they show a way to make a tool from flat steel bar stock. It's easy to make and works well. You will probably be unable to find the BMW tool (good luck getting a Mini dealer to loan you one). Good luck getting the tensioner bolt and piston out from the back of the block. I found the easiest way was from the passenger side wheel well. You need to be somewhat of a contortionist to get it out. The rest is pretty straight forward.

 

On another thread I was just viewing (search for RMW cam) I saw that someone was offering this tool for use via mail. I think it was TSW, actually.

 

You do not really need the special tool. I changed my cam without it. Just be a little inventive in using what you have in your shop/garage and you can get by without the 'fancy' tool.

I will try to find some of my earlier posts and maybe a few pics on this issue to add in.

 

X2 what Mini Racer said. Just keep the crankshaft from moving and keep cam sprocket aligned with timing chain via a pen mark or similar.

Jeremy

 

I used a couple screwdrivers.

 

Ok, I found the pic of my version of the special tool, a small C-clamp and some pieces of wood. Obviously this was for the removal of the camgear bolt. Just place on the opposite side for installation, I think it is 75 lbs torque for the camgear bolt, just check the Bentley. Also, be very careful to mark the chain where it aligns with the pointer on the cam gear, and keep that chain snug around the crank gear via a bungie or something similar.

Good Luck..........

 

I found my 'special camshaft sprocket locking tool'(missing chunck of wood though, preferably hardwood)...... Keep it in 6th gear, with parking brake applied, wheels chalked and you'll be goooood.

Jeremy

 

hmm.. I was in phoenix yesterday and just changed my own cam out the day before (also without any special tools).. I should have checked NAM, could have come over to help! I used bailing twine to hold everything in place. I'll be back in town by the end of the week if you still need help, but hopefully you'll get it all straightened out by then

 

i didnt use a special tool to put my rmw cam in... but you should have a shop manual like mentioned in the post above.. its not that hard to do.. gl

 

Thank-you all for the advice and pic's from that I should be able to come up with some sort of device that will work. I do have a Bentley manual coming and hopfully it has some info to build a tool like the Haynes Manual. The cam and header has not been shiped as of yet, Jan is waiting for some cat's to come in so he can assemble more headers. Once I get the parts and manuals I'm sure that I will be able to get the job done and then it's a road trip out to RMW for a tune Once again thanks to all

 

When I did my cam swap, I had an assistant put the car in 6th gear and apply the brakes. I used zip ties through the sprocket holes to keep the chain in position.

 

the "have someone put the brakes on" method works... That's what I did. Also the chain can't skip over teeth of the lower gear, so all the tensioning of the chain, while a good habit, it unnescisary...

Matt