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Engine + Driveline / Timing Chain Tensioner Question and Squeak on Startup

« on: September 03, 2009, 01:35:44 PM »

So P/S level looks alright.

Romeomike -- Would running a lighter oil help out (seems to be recommended often on this site, though I don't know if it's pertinent here)?  And I hear the sound constantly, even after an oil change.  I tried the screwdriver against the timing case and valve cover, and I couldn't exactly pinpoint the source, though I heard the noise more when I had the screwdriver against the front of the valve cover and on the timing case.

And you say that the C-Clamp and eyeglass/jeweler's screwdriver was all you needed?  Did you fully recompress the piston, or did you put it in the properly extended range (decompressed but not sprung apart)?

Nicknikolovski -- How would I go about tightening the belts?  As I understand from the Bentley manual, the belt tensioner is automatic (car is a 1995) -- Would I need a new tensioner assembly for the belt?    If belt tension is a common cold start-up issue, it sounds like a good place to start (and I guess unless you know where the problem is, it's best to start with the simplest job).  And as for the harmonic balancer -- is this a pulley that doesn't drive anything and sits towards the top of the assembly between the water pump/alternator pulleys?

Anyhow, I do appreciate the feedback.  Sorry if the questions seem a bit elementary, but I just started doing my own work like this over the summer, and I like being sure of what I'm doing before I mess with anything.  But thanks for all the help/friendliness towards the new guy.

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Engine + Driveline / Timing Chain Tensioner Question and Squeak on Startup

« on: September 02, 2009, 08:35:20 PM »

Thanks for the response.

Would the P/S pump stop the squeak once it's running for a while?  I'll make sure to check the fluid.  If it's low, is it good just to top it off without doing the really complex flush procedure, or would I be better off to take it in and get the system drained completely?

I guess when I go out tomorrow, I'll check the P/S and belt tension.  If P/S is low, does any ATF work, or does BMW recommend a certain kind?

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Engine + Driveline / Timing Chain Tensioner Question and Squeak on Startup

« on: September 02, 2009, 04:33:38 PM »

Hi, all, I have two questions for you guys, and I figured I'd ask here instead of BF since the M42 doesn't get much love there.

First one is simpler -- I'm wanting to replace my timing chain tensioner, as I've noticed a ticking sound from the motor.  It's not the Diesel type sound I've been hearing on videos posted here, so I'm not 100% sure it's the culprit of the ticking, but I've had the car for just over 61,000 miles (bought at around 82,000 in 2001; just over 143,000 now).  I know my family (and later myself as I inherited the car) has never replaced the tensioner, and I have no idea what the PO did, so I'm thinking it's a good idea to go ahead and get the job done, as simple as it is.

Anyhow, my problem is that when I decompressed the new tensioner before I went outside to install it, the tensioner decided to come all the way apart ( thought I had a solid hold on it, but I guess I goofed).  I'm having trouble reassembling it because the split ring doesn't want to seat properly into the groove when I attempt to squeeze the piston back together.  I bought a C-clamp to hold/compress the piston together and tried using a few screwdrivers to pry the split ring into place, but once I pop one end into place, the other unseats itself.  My question is pretty simple for as long as this intro was -- is there a good tool out there to be able to wrap around the ring and put even pressure on both sides of the clip so I can seat it properly and reassemble the piston?  I'm sure there's someone out there who's dealt with the tensioner falling apart on them...

My second one is shorter, but it may be harder to answer -- Upon a cold startup, I'm hearing a slight squeaking sound that seems to intensify with higher humidity somewhat.  The only thing is that on a hot start it goes away as well as after I dive the car for about 30 seconds (i.e. no noise when I idle after that period).  Both the A/C and serpentine belts were replaced about 1,700-2,000 miles ago as well as the water pump, and that stopped the squeaking (and later rattling as the plastic impeller started its demise) that remained constant whenever the car idled.  I notice no difference with the A/C on vs. off, so I don't think the squeak is there; otherwise, I'm reasonably sure it's not the water pump.  Any ideas where to look here?

Anyhow, thanks in advance for any help you guys can give me.  I'd really appreciate any advice on either question.

And as an afterthought, this is for an E36.  I don't think it makes a difference here, but thought I'd mention that too.