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DISCUSSION => Engine + Driveline => Topic started by: antony_e on December 06, 2008, 09:46:32 AM

Title: timing case cover removal e36 m42 1.8
Post by: antony_e on December 06, 2008, 09:46:32 AM

sorry ive had a bit of a search but is it possible to remove all the timing chain cover from the cam cover right down to the crank as i have an annoying rattle which isnt the tensioner and would like to investigate to see if i possibly dropped something down there or if a tensioner guide has broken?

basically can i fully expose the timing chain from top to bottom without disturbing too much?

cheers  - ant

Title: timing case cover removal e36 m42 1.8
Post by: ShabbaPlanks on December 06, 2008, 01:05:09 PM

Yes you can, but there is a fair bit to do before you can have access. So if your going to do it may aswell prepare to do some maintenance so that your time is used well.
You will need to remove
Clutch fan if fitted,
Thermostat housing
Waterpump and pulley
Crank pulley

You will need to replace gaskets, drain the coolant and bleed after filling. I would take the opportunity to replace the thermostat, waterpump, all gaskets and possibly timing chain, sprockets, tensioner and guides. It depends on what you know of the maintenance hstory of engine, and visual inspection.

I am in the process of doing this myself, my advice would be that unless you are willing to spend some money it is not worth the time and effort involed to remove the timing chain covers. If you are willing to spend some $$ its not too hard and can be worth while preventative / needed maintenance.

Title: timing case cover removal e36 m42 1.8
Post by: antony_e on December 06, 2008, 05:52:34 PM

cheers buddy,ive just replaced the head and at the same time fitted all the above so at most im getting new gaskets for it. im going to try a new chain tensioner first and if it doesnt clear i will be stripping it by the looks of it

Title: timing case cover removal e36 m42 1.8
Post by: derek9702 on December 06, 2008, 05:58:20 PM

If it is rattling, I would suggest checking it out.  Mine was rattling a little.   One of the plastic guides broke, the chain jumped a couple of teeth, and I am now in the process of rebulding the engine.  It broke four exhaust valves and damaged two pistons

Title: timing case cover removal e36 m42 1.8
Post by: thumper3ld on December 08, 2008, 06:09:59 PM

Mine has been making this same rattline noise for a few months now. The car now sits in my backyard until the warmer months when i can recruit dude and febi, hopefully, to help me out with this. :D