N57 intake plenum - which way should the swirl flaps be at rest?

Discussion in '5 Series' started by Oddsocks, Mar 5, 2018.

  1. Oddsocks
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    Oddsocks

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    Now the weather has improved I took the intake plenum off the F10 N57 this morning to replace glowplugs, controller and give it a clean....I'm currently stuck waiting on delivery tomorrow of a glowplug removal tool as the last one snapped (even with a torque wrench set to 25Nm to undo whereas breaking force is stated as 35).

    Whilst waiting I have cleaned the intake plenum and was about to assemble the swirl flap actuator when I decided to check I'd got the orientation of the flaps correct (TIS says its important but doesn't give the image!). I did some searching and have found images with two settings (I assume that with the engine off it resets to a standard position??).

    I found a few images that show them in this position - single vane pointing away from throttle housing. Given that these images are of used intakes I assume this is correct and my memory tells me this is what mine looked like (but I wish I'd taken a photo!)

    swirl flaps single vane down.JPG

    However,
    I've I also found this image for a remanufactured one on ebay - the single vane is pointing up towards the throttle housing. Is this one wrong or doesnt it matter as long as the rest position is flap open?? swirl flaps single vane up.JPG


    I'll add a new thread re the intake clean once I've completed it - hopefully Wednesday!

    Thanks

    Dave
     
  2. bishbosh
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    bishbosh WARLORD

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    I wouldn't worry about it, the dde will move the actuator to it's rest position when it needs to.

    I've not seen that flap design before. I'm presuming it's designed in such a way that if a flap ever breaks it would get stuck in the intake in order to prevent engine damage.
     
  3. snrbrtsn
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    snrbrtsn WARLORD

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    The important bit is the actuator on the end
    It has an elongated hole that slots into the actuator rod, as long as that’s correct you’ll be fine.
    Re the flaps, they will only seat one way as I recall, the opposite way, they will sit proud!
    As your at this stage, it’s worth pulling the actuator and working the rod as carbon build ups internally between the rod/ housing and over works the actuator leading to an actuator plausibility fault code

    Well done for undertaking, as I’m sure you’ll know the seventh bolt is a pig to find as is the dip stick securing bolt, though the more I think about the job, the more I think about the electric harness that slots into the Tee bracket at the back that caused me much frustration
     
  4. Oddsocks
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    Oddsocks

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    thanks - I have taken the actuator off and also the sensor that is bolted on to the plenum so that I could soak it in the cleaner. I've had the actuator plausibility fault code ever since I bought the car 3 years ago - the Indie BMW dealer reported it but didn't know what it was and google and forum posts didn't help me at the time. I've not dismantled the rod assembly but it now does rotate freely after cleaning (it didn't to start with!). The swirlflaps and the area where the throttle connects were really carboned up - probably at least 30% of the airway. Looking in the cylinder at the valves they also have a lot to clean - particularly #5 and 6 as they presumably get the worst of the intake vapours.

    You're right about the dipstick bolt - that took me at least 15mins to undo. I wasn't even sure if it was a 10 or 11mm bolt (its 10). The other thing that took the time was unclipping the module from underneath the intake bend. TIS gives a picture of it (plenum removed!) but I couldn't work out where it was in the car...plus the TIS image is a white module and mine is black (when I eventually found it).
     
  5. snrbrtsn
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    snrbrtsn WARLORD

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    I’m sure it’s the angle the bolts is at that makes it difficult!

    Another thing to check, soak and clean is the Stainless pipe that comes off the EGR cooler, there’s a sensor in there too that get Carbon fouled.
    I sealed one end,soaked mine in oven cleaner (much to the wife’s dismay when I emptied the can). Left to soak then sprayed brake cleaner through it!

    Worryingly, I’ll have the manifold to come off the X5 this year, more preventative than fault!
    Can’t see this time being any easier!
     
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  6. Oddsocks
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    Oddsocks

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    i looked at the flaps and yes, the middle semicircle is larger than the two outers. I also found this you tube that shows (58secs in) the removed plenum with the flaps positions that agree with the first pic I posted.
    I had actually watched that and the subsequent video from them some weeks ago - useful info in it (inlcuding the benefit of disconnecting the battery!)
     
  7. a.s.uk
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    a.s.uk WARLORD

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    I too have watched and am interested in this whole process. both the cleaning of the inlet manifold and all its associated parts and also cleaning of the inlet ports with walnut shells etc...
    The above video does seem rather amateur ish, ( I am not knocking them for that) although they clearly seem to know where they are doing..
     
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