Dumb Question Thread - No Flaming Allowed

[nuc1]

Finally got the pressure plate bolts off. Attached some pictures of the flywheel and clutch. There's about 30k miles on the clutch (including many track days) and the flywheel is original to the car (2002). Have been getting some strange noises (high pitched squeal) randomly while shifting so pulled everything to take a look. Clutch is getting replaced. Thoughts on reusing the flywheel? Black marks on the clutch, pressure plate and flywheel all match up. Running a fingernail over the flywheel doesn't catch anything. The insides of the flywheel feel "grainy" while the outsides are smooth. Normal wear and tear or something wrong? Been a long, long time since I replaced a clutch.

The piston for the slave cylinder popped out; push it back in or just replace?

Mike

[elrichmeister]

Noticed that my ambient temp sensor is a bit overzealous. In heavy traffic on the freeway outside temp was probably about 95-97F definitely not 100F, my ambient sensor seems think its about 107F I'm pretty sure it wasn't that hot outside. When traffic cleared it does tend to go lower but it seems higher than normal.

I do have a 325Ci that drive regularly and its ambient temp sensor `seems` more accurate, never seen to over read the ambient temp like it does on the M3.

Not sure if i should replace the ambient temp sensor, or just live with it. I physically inspected the sensor and it doesn't seem damaged in any way. Is there any downsides to leaving this temp sensor alone?

[Slideways]

When changing out a section 1 from the exhaust system are there any gaskets between the headers and section 1 and/or between section 1 and section 2 that should be replaced?

Technically, gaskets on both sides of the section 1 should be replaced as they deform when tightening down the section 1, but I have seen a few instances where they are reused if they are in good condition or were recently replaced. If there is an exhaust leak, removing the section 1 is pretty easy.

[Bent_Remy]

When changing out a section 1 from the exhaust system are there any gaskets between the headers and section 1 and/or between section 1 and section 2 that should be replaced?

[nuc1]

I may be late here, but also make sure the hex of the bolt is cleaned out. They cavity can get packed with brake dust which will prevent the socket from bottoming out in the bolt head increasing the risk of stripping (happens to me all the time if I'm not paying attention). Also make sure you have a crisp 6mm allen socket, I have worn thats slightly worn and if I use its often a sure strip. If that happens you can likely hammer a T45 socket into the 6mm allen bolt and proceed with that.

Haven’t started taking them out yet due to life etc etc.

This is some great advice. Thanks.

Mike

[George Hill]

While replacing the clutch found the pressure plate bolts installed with red Loctite. Well I found the red Loctite after completely rounding out the second bolt.

I may be late here, but also make sure the hex of the bolt is cleaned out. They cavity can get packed with clutch dust which will prevent the socket from bottoming out in the bolt head increasing the risk of stripping (happens to me all the time if I'm not paying attention). Also make sure you have a crisp 6mm allen socket, I have one that's slightly worn and if I use that one its often a sure strip. If that happens you can likely hammer a T45 socket into the 6mm allen bolt and proceed with that.

[nuc1]

CW looking at the engine from the front (accessory belt side)

Thanks!

Mike

[heinzboehmer]

CW looking at the engine from the front (accessory belt side)

[nuc1]

While replacing the clutch found the pressure plate bolts installed with red Loctite. Well I found the red Loctite after completely rounding out the second bolt. Picked up the first bolt and started cussing. Thanks Active Autowerke for another shite performance. Now going to have to torch them out.
I’m going to rotate the flywheel / engine to get the bolts at the 6 o’clock position so I don’t set the car on fire.
So my dumb question is: which way is ok to rotate the engine? Engine is full of oil.

Mike

[ugaexploder]

oceansize

something to go along with that ratchet...i really want one, it just came out

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-M12-FUEL-12V-Lithium-Ion-Brushless-Cordless-Stubby-1-2-in-Impact-Wrench-with-M12-XC-4-0Ah-Battery-Starter-Kit-2555-20-48-59-2440/328232339

[ugaexploder]

Aren't there different battery sizes that use the same connection? I went for the big bulky ones but my brother got one that's much thinner.

Yep, but I find even with the smaller 2Ah ones still carry a similar bulk to them, just a bit shorter with the same connection type. I have all sorts of DeWalt batteries over the years just buying their stuff (2, 4, 5, 6, and even the newer powerstack ones) but they all have that same square size.

It's weird though because I have a gyroscopic DeWalt screwdriver just for light-duty stereo type work, and it uses a smaller battery similar to that of the M12 from Milwaukee...It would be cool if they could use the battery from the gyroscopic one for an impact ratchet.

[IamFODI]

I have mainly a DeWalt battery ecosystem too with more of their chargers and batteries but I think their ratchet uses the same type of battery which ironically enough was the dealbreaker for me due to just size and weight.

Aren't there different battery sizes that use the same connection? I went for the big bulky ones but my brother got one that's much thinner.

[ugaexploder]

I recently got the DeWalt one, and it's fine. Probably would have gotten the Milwaukee one but I'm way too deep into DeWalt and all their 20v batteries to switch at this point.

I hear ya, I have mainly a DeWalt battery ecosystem too with more of their chargers and batteries but I think their ratchet uses the same type of battery which ironically enough was the dealbreaker for me due to just size and weight. I bet the DeWalt has more power, but the M12 Milwaukee batteries are so lightweight and small.

You're right, not many options now that I'm looking around. Milwaukee it is.

FWIW, I actually looked in the garage and went with the 1/4" version due to it being a little longer. I'm not sure if that was the right call, but it looked better at the time lol.

[oceansize]

Not many options from what I've seen in the past, but may be things have changed. I think the only game in town is really the Milwaukee M12 3/8" extended reach ratchet. I like DeWalt, but they don't make a good version.

You're right, not many options now that I'm looking around. Milwaukee it is.

[bagger]

Not many options from what I've seen in the past, but may be things have changed. I think the only game in town is really the Milwaukee M12 3/8" extended reach ratchet. I like DeWalt, but they don't make a good version.

I recently got the DeWalt one, and it's fine. Probably would have gotten the Milwaukee one but I'm way too deep into DeWalt and all their 20v batteries to switch at this point.