In the BMW TIS for removing the head (11 12 100), it says that i need to use special tool (11 8 250) to secure the cam shaft called a pin wrench. I called up Mini parts and they said this tool costs 115$, a bit too much.... is there any other way to do this step safely without that tool?

 

ok, i talked to an experienced car guy and he said that if i used engine degreeser to take all the oil off then marked everything that could possibly move with paint, then it should be safe to take off without the tool...... does this sound right to u guys?

 

No it doesn’t sound right. It sounds like the half assed back yard way. The cam should be marked in some way I would think so you know where to line up TDC after a rebuild. But I would buy the tool and you will save a whole bunch of problems later. Sell it on e-bay later. Some one will buy it up for twice that much if you list it as a special tool that you have to have.

 

has anyone accually removed their own head before?? lol, but seriously.....

 

Hope this helps.
Camshaft locking tool
Used to hold the camshaft during R&R of the camshaft retaining bolt. Refer to repair manual section 11 12 100.

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91 SE-R . with a few tricks, 9.2 in 1/8 mile.


OK I hang out here cause I work on minis.