[tadaska]

Having difficulty removing the intake manifold. I removed everything I can see that would get in the way, undid all the bolts and it's nice and loose but it just won't lift up enough to clear the bolts. It's like something is holding it from the bottom. Any ideas?

[Digitalize]

Have you removed the vacuum pipe on the right side? The braided pipe is the one you need to remove.

[BMW_fun]

Did You disconnect map sensor at the very back of intake manifold? Did You removed vacuum pipes from EGR valve? Did You remove vacuum pipe and connector from swirl flap solenoid? Also, did You unbolt oil lever from intake manifold?

[tadaska]

I got it of in the end. I got angry and pulled harder on it while wiggling it and came off the bolts. Then I was able to see the all the wires and the vacuum hose. Once I removed those it came off easily. I was going to check the flaps and fit it back. But what I found made me change my mind. More on that later, first I need find to find a cheap bike to get to work....

[BMW_fun]

Were Your swirl flaps loose?

[tadaska]

Only one was loose, it was held by just one of the two studs. But it was safe because they were stuck fully open and were solidly covered in the carbon grime. They must have been that way for a long time. That one stud (or are they small screws?) is completely gone, no idea where. But if it did go into the engine it must have been long ago. I know you guys will think me crazy but want to keep swirl flaps. Put new ones in. But first I will try and clean the manifold. Bought 2kg of caustic soda and a big plastic container. Will try soaking them.

[tadaska]

How can I remove the bolts from the manifold? The ones next to the round holes. They have some kind of special fitment that keeps them in place.

[Digitalize]

From memory they just push out but I might be thinking of the rubber sleeves of some holes. Can't remember if I took my bolts out or not as I just used some petrol to clean.

[tadaska]

they are sleeves with a washer like ending where the bolts head is. I pried with a flat screwdriver and it came out. The manifold has been soaked in hot water and caustic soda. I'm glad i bought a container with a lid. That stuff is lethal. I first poured the powder into the manifold and then started to fill water with a hose. When the vapour hit my lungs... I had run out of the kitchen and get some fresh air through a window in my sitting room. I was going to take it outside but it so heavy... no idea how I am going to empty it...

[tadaska]

Does BMW not sell swirl flap units on their own? They are not shown on realoem.

[Digitalize]

Probably not a good idea to be doing it inside, the fumes it puts off are pretty nasty, but at the same time I think it probably should be venting otherwise the pressure may build up.

I've never heard of anyone other than a BMW dealer actually replace swirlflaps. What are your reasons for not wanting to blank them? I honestly cannot tell the difference with mine blanked.

[tadaska]

Mine were stuck open so theoretically it's the same as having them blanked I watched this video about how it's supposed to help with engine power or torque or something. If BMW put them there then there must be some benefit even if a small one and I'm not a big fan of changing things. Maybe I could find someone on this forum who still has his old ones.

As for the chemicals in my kitchen... the container's lid is not a tight fit so no worries about the pressure, just the fumes. I have the window open and a fan blowing air out and the door shut. Should be alright as long as I stay away from there

[Digitalize]

I've got my old ones, they've done 211k but look visually fine, I kept them in case I could notice any difference. They're purely fitted for emissions purposes. There's been mention of it increasing low RPM torque but I can't tell any perceivable difference.

[tadaska]

Would you be willing to sell me one?

I'd be interested to see if they are going to make any difference to my car

[Digitalize]

If you send me £10 that will cover popping to the post office and sending them to you, I'll just send you all 4 and you can choose, they haven't been cleaned ha. Obviously I'm not going to guarantee they won't fall apart and ruin your engine though. PM me for my Paypal.

[tadaska]

Thanks for that. It's a risk I am willing to take. I just hope I don't regret it later

[bishbosh]

I would certainly not be putting in used swirl flaps! Or even new ones. Swirl flaps can degrade and fall into the engine, blanking plates never will.

I much prefer the peace of mind to the barely minimal loss in low down torque that you may experience. But you pays your money and takes your choice.

[BMW_fun]

tadaska,
what is Your car mileage? it's interesting on what mileage swirl flap is already broken.

[BMW_fun]

Btw, BMW doesn't sell swirl flaps separately, You have to buy new intake manifold from Bmw..

[tadaska]

I'm nearly 130k miles. But the one that was broken has been that way for a long time (IMO). They were stuck in the fully open position and completely sealed in by a thick layer of carbon which had already solidified. It's like they were cemented to the manifold's walls. They couldn't move at all until I scraped the carbon off. It must have taken it a long time to get that way.