524TD timing tools M51/M21

[TeunEU524]

Hello,

I'm looking for timing tools for the M21 engine. Does anyone know if the timing tools for the M51 engine fit on the M21 engine?
Timing tools for the M51 are much easier to find.
Thanks.

[gadget73]

no idea but if you can get a measurement on the width of the M51 tool where it goes over the cam I can compare that to the measurement for my M21 cam holding tool. 

The lock pin for the crank I believe is common to many BMW engines. The pin for the injection pump I don't know but you can just use the back end of a drill bit.  Its just a round pin of a diameter and a drill index has one that fits. 

[flash]

My M51 etc set didn't have a cam lock tool for the M21 and M51 didn't fit. I've designed and printed one myself. I've heard on the other hand from a guy who eyeballs it and it also runs fine according to him.

Do you guys use the 2.5mm shim on 1 side like shown in the manual btw? 

[gadget73]

I used the shim, not sure how much difference it makes. 

I've read that you can do this with a combination square to verify that the square part on the camshaft is 90 degrees to the surface of the head where the valve cover goes.  My holding tool isn't the official one, its a copy from the Vixen RV guys that doesn't have the clamp screws and all that.  Seems to work fine though. 

[flash]

I used the shim, not sure how much difference it makes. 

I've read that you can do this with a combination square to verify that the square part on the camshaft is 90 degrees to the surface of the head where the valve cover goes.  My holding tool isn't the official one, its a copy from the Vixen RV guys that doesn't have the clamp screws and all that.  Seems to work fine though. 

 

 

Yeah it should be perpendicular (or almost, + 2.5mm) to the face of the valve cover mating surface so there are probably a lot of ways to do this

Shims were on the wrong side in this pic haha

[gadget73]

I seem to recall there is also a mileage on the belt spec, under some value you use the shim, over a value you don't? 

I actually don't mind the bolts, it frees up a hand.  Maybe if/when I do this again I'll modify mine to allow it to be held down somehow.  Thinking a simple Z shaped thing that uses the front valve cover stud and simply hooks over the lock fixture on the other side. 

[flash]

I seem to recall there is also a mileage on the belt spec, under some value you use the shim, over a value you don't? 

I actually don't mind the bolts, it frees up a hand.  Maybe if/when I do this again I'll modify mine to allow it to be held down somehow.  Thinking a simple Z shaped thing that uses the front valve cover stud and simply hooks over the lock fixture on the other side. 

Yeah new to 10k miles = shims, I think
I like the idea of a tool that uses a stud

[TeunEU524]

Thanks for the answers, in the meantime I was able to borrow an original timing set.