Author Topic: T/C and tensioner (Read 2437 times)

91318isguy · « **on:** July 16, 2007, 09:16:57 AM »

Morning everyone,

Is it a preventative maintenance thing to replace the tensioners on the T/C? I know the T/C isn't like a belt and needs to be replaced every 90-120K. Is this something I should do, or only if it shows signs of needing it (what are the signs). Other than the tensioners is there anything else in there (besides the water pump) that I should look for if I'm replacing the tensioners (sprockets, etc.)?

Don't want to get put on jack stands anymore if I can help it.

gearheadE30 · « **Reply #1 on:** July 16, 2007, 11:01:29 AM »

The tensioner is a standard wear item, and needs to be replaced every once and awhile, but it really depends on your driving style. If there is a low-pitched rattling noise coming from the engine at idle, it needs to be replaced. The timing chain doesn't wear much unless a bad or worn tensioner has been used for some time. The water pumps on these cars are really quite reliable, it is the ones on later e36-body cars and on that are notorious for failures. My pump has 200k on it and looks and runs like new.

Otherwise, the only other major things to look for in this area are the cam and crank sprockets and loose bolts in the oil pan. The cam gears can be checked by removing the cam cover. The gears should have a flat spot on the tops of the teeth. If these are worn, chances are good that the crank gear is worn too. Be very careful when re-torqueing the bolts on the cam cover-aluminum heads are very easy to strip out.

91318isguy · « **Reply #2 on:** July 16, 2007, 11:17:03 AM »

The question is... is it something that I can do, given a good weekend. I don't want to do something to check it out and be down for 2 weeks is all. I know that time frames are tough to say... but, what has everyone else spent on this type of project?

gearheadE30 · « **Reply #3 on:** July 17, 2007, 11:32:27 AM »

This can be done in 2 days if you have all of the parts beforehand, you have a slight idea of what you are doing, and you stay focussed on it. Mine took 2 weeks because I forgot to order some parts and shipping got delayed.

http://www.esatclear.ie/~bpurcell/318isengine.html#techinfo_engine The torques of most of the bolts can be found here.

http://www.esatclear.ie/~bpurcell/318istimingchain.html Here is a mostly comlete description of what has to be done. The only problem I had with this guide was that I have A/C, and the bracket removal isn't covered here. It is very self explanatory, though.