Top End Refresh - VTS

  1. Saxperience Forum Bum Joined: Mar 2009 Morpeth Posts: 2539 BMW 116d Regional Toner Sales Edition
    #1
    I've decided this afternoon, while it's all in bits, I might as well do a top end refresh on my VTS lump, it's leaking oil from the cam ladders and it needs addressing, so if I have to take them off, I might as well do the head gasket and timing belt etc while I'm on. Timing belt and water pump were done circa 14k ago with a receipt for the work, but I don't know what parts were used, and as far as I know it's never had a head gasket (108k) so I might as well do that while I'm on since I'll have it all apart.

    Questions please to those in the know:

    • Do I need new head bolts, or are the originals OK to reuse?
    • Timing belt kit, is there anything wrong with Continental Conti-Tech?
    • Are there gaskets for the cam ladders or am I using a sealant?
    • I understand you should file the lugs down on the cam covers and then use a little sealant to seal these, correct?
    • Is it worth getting the correct Seems tool from Citroen to tension the belt?
    • Are there any other worthwhile jobs I should do while it's all in bits that I've missed?

    Cheers!
  2. Saxperience Post Whore Joined: Jul 2010 Morley, Leeds Posts: 8469 Civic ep3 type r powered by TDI NORTH
    #2
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by D4MJT View Post
    Do I need new head bolts, or are the originals OK to reuse? use new mate they stretch
    Timing belt kit, is there anything wrong with Continental Conti-Tech? I personally would use a gates belt kit.
    Are there gaskets for the cam ladders or am I using a sealant? Sealant
    I understand you should file the lugs down on the cam covers and then use a little sealant to seal these, correct? Yes but i have never needed to file the lugs down.
    Is it worth getting the correct Seems tool from Citroen to tension the belt? I have never needed one.
    Are there any other worthwhile jobs I should do while it's all in bits that I've missed? Not really you have hit the nail on the head with the things you mentioned mate. Unless you want to change the water pump to put your mind at rest.
    Cheers!
    Edited your post in red mate.
    1 user thanked this post:
  3. Saxperience Forum Bum Joined: Mar 2009 Morpeth Posts: 2539 BMW 116d Regional Toner Sales Edition
    #3
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Bedford126 View Post
    Edited your post in red mate.
    Spot on mate, that's really helpful thanks. Where would you normally source a gates kit? I normally buy parts through eurocarparts and they don't stock it, would it be an OEM Citroen item?
  4. Saxperience Post Whore Joined: Jul 2010 Morley, Leeds Posts: 8469 Civic ep3 type r powered by TDI NORTH
    #4
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by D4MJT View Post
    Spot on mate, that's really helpful thanks. Where would you normally source a gates kit? I normally buy parts through eurocarparts and they don't stock it, would it be an OEM Citroen item?
    Any decent motor factors will stock gates kits such as Andrew page.
  5. Established Member Joined: Sep 2005 Market Bosworth Posts: 2482 106 XSi 1360cc
    #5
    contact BSM_CITROEN
    special club discounts on parts
  6. Saxperience Post Whore Joined: Apr 2011 Posts: 9100 Amazon green VTR 16v, Inferno RS clio 182
    #6
    If you are taking the head off it'd be very wise to strip it and do the stem seals, lap the valves in etc. Maybe change the lifters for new and do the guides if you want.
  7. Saxperience Forum Bum Joined: Mar 2009 Morpeth Posts: 2539 BMW 116d Regional Toner Sales Edition
    #7
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Gandi699 View Post
    If you are taking the head off it'd be very wise to strip it and do the stem seals, lap the valves in etc. Maybe change the lifters for new and do the guides if you want.
    You're probably right, but I've got to draw the line somewhere lol, it came off the road for a noisy release bearing and driveshaft, so far I'm up to new clutch, full service, timing belt, water pump, head gasket, gear linkages, gear rod arms, roll pin, bottom arms, drop links, track rod ends, springs, driveshafts, brakes, etc lol.

    Last question I think, I've never removed cams before, when I remove them to reseal the cam ladders, do the bottom of the cam ladders require a gasket, or just sealant?

    Also, do I need to use any sort of engine assembly lube when refitting the cams to the ladders, or is it sufficient to make sure they're oiled?

    Cheers!