M42club.com - Home of the BMW E30/E36 318i/iS

DISCUSSION => Engine + Driveline => Topic started by: bimma_318iS on December 20, 2010, 11:14:21 PM

Title: Diesel Sound
Post by: bimma_318iS on December 20, 2010, 11:14:21 PM
Hey guys,

I've searched but I feel like my problem is not as serious as replacing the whole TC group of parts.

Please help:

Car has had a diesel sound (0.5 sec in length) at start up the last year but it did not seem to be a big deal. Now it's a fifty-fifty. As in:
    X. Starts with the diesel sound and goes away after a second  and keeps working properly.
    Y. Starts with the diesel sound but does not go away until it warms up completely (as in at least 15min). And still, I can hear the sound slightly.

3 years ago I dropped my oil pan and also checked the head. Everything seemed fine, except one bolt was loose. The timing gears looked perfect and not sharp at all.

(http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l266/vlad_shch/Forum%20Posts/IMG00528.jpg)

I've ordered Slide Rail (the most upper one) but I feel like its not a critical part to my situation and that I may need a tensioner + other?

Which parts should I order before going in and opening her up?

Thank you in advance!
Title: Diesel Sound
Post by: VegasKyle on December 21, 2010, 12:34:49 AM
My cam gears looked great as well.....
(http://i723.photobucket.com/albums/ww232/Kyle_OA/b3e05f47.jpg?t=1292912118)

Even after the chain rail snapped in half destroying the lower guide and jumping 1 or 2 teeth.  Nearly cost me my engine.
(http://i723.photobucket.com/albums/ww232/Kyle_OA/6de115ec.jpg?t=1292912390)

If your cam gears are fine there is a good chance the crank and idler gears are too.  If you are trying to do this cheep I'd replace the tensioner first and see what that does.  If you don't want to take any chances I'd replace all 4 guides, chain and tensioner.  Safest option would be to replace everything.  Get the gaskets and your set.  Specialized BMW tools are not a necessity but would make life easier.  

Edit:  I was only getting the diesel sound at 2800-2900rpm didn't seem too serious.  However, I also had pieces of plastic in my pan.  After 3 years you may too.