Timing Chain Tensioner...

[D. Clay]

I was referring to all engines. However, I now have A/C units falling from the sky to add to the list. Makes me glad I live in a one-story town. I've become hesitant to say my M42 has 198,000 on it and only the timing chain tensioner replaced. I had the valve cover and upper timing cover off and popped it out before I started up the car. The reason I had them off was to check the chain and cam sprockets because I was still trying to find what was making it sound like a diesel. I didn't even know that this was an M42 deal at the time. It's 104 outside and I'm waiting for it to go down to the low 90's again to do a few things to it. I might put a pan gasket on it just to take a peek.

[Febi Guibo]

My advice, either put the tensioner in, popped. or pull the valve cover and upper cam cover and pop it loose once it is in. This is far safer and only takes a few more minutes to do.

I have thought about this more, and agree with sheepdog.

D Clay, you know Dave Hickey? Howsabout Bill Hicks?

[Jtuner]

Hey guys, just had a thought today,, Since my chain tension is very intermittant(sometimes its loud, sometimes its perfect), you don't think I may have an oil pressure issue do you? Like possibly the tensioner sometimes gets enough oil and there's no racket, and if its starved the chain flops loose a bit and makes the racket? How can I check it? or more specifically, how can I check my oil pump screen to see if its stopped up? I'm guessing if that was the case, the car wouldn't run very long, and the car runs great... I do have a very miniscule oil leak (i'd say 1/4 quart a month) which doesn't really matter with regular oil changes anywayz etc... Let me know what you think

[D. Clay]

D Clay, you know Dave Hickey? Howsabout Bill Hicks?

I know of them but unfortunately have never personally met them. Hicks of course has been dead for 10 years or more. For those who don't know, there are whole neighborhoods in Austin that aren't even in the US much less Texas. On the electoral map it's a blue dot in a red state and with the University and the Capitol, has always attracted "strangers" from small town Texas. The film Slacker, filmed in Austin, is considered a documentary here!
I was talking to Terry Sayther who has a BMW repair shop here in town and I asked him about M42's and timing chains. His experience indicated that it's not a rare problem but also not common either. Prevention is changing the oil regularly, Once the wear occurs to the rails, it tends to get worse. Be wary of the "sewing machine" sound. And he was impressed with the Coil-on-Plug deal that bmwman91 made.

[FL318is]

Hey guys, just had a thought today,, Since my chain tension is very intermittant(sometimes its loud, sometimes its perfect), you don't think I may have an oil pressure issue do you? Like possibly the tensioner sometimes gets enough oil and there's no racket, and if its starved the chain flops loose a bit and makes the racket? How can I check it? or more specifically, how can I check my oil pump screen to see if its stopped up? I'm guessing if that was the case, the car wouldn't run very long, and the car runs great... I do have a very miniscule oil leak (i'd say 1/4 quart a month) which doesn't really matter with regular oil changes anywayz etc... Let me know what you think

I am by no means a mechanic, I don't play one on TV nor did I stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night.

My engine was making an intermittent ticking.  My problem turned out to be the oil filter housing gasket.  It had been replaced the day before but had folded over and was covering the "pressure inlet" or the pencil size hole near the base.  

Have you changed that gasket?

[Jtuner]

I personally haven't changed it recently, but I don't know what kind of prior service was done to the car It would definatly be something to check in to when I can get it on the lift at school.. That would make a lot of sense.. I think I'll still replace the tensioner to be safe, but I just wanna make sure that I'm definatly not having oil pressure problems.. I want to turbocharge eventually, so I want my engine pristine when the snail goes on Thx for all the input on this thread guys!

[shellback]

I'll be honest here.
Since replacing the tensioner, its been a PITA ever since. At cold start-ups, it rattles like never before and its loud! Once it warms up, it quites down a bit. ....and Yes, it was a new tensioner :confused:
Also, it leaks where it plugs into the block. I mean, I've followed all the DIY's and write ups on how much torque to apply to the tensioner, but I still get a small oil weep. Even added a bit more of torque just in case. :mad:

I should've left it alone

Oh well, in my opinion, I've wasted $ on two useless upgrades: the tensioner and the $170 "performance" ignition wires from BAVAUTO :mad:

[Zoso]

I'm hearing a new "rattle" coming from the area near the thermostat.  Is that the area you'll hear the timing chain rattle from?

[sheepdog]

I'll be honest here.
Since replacing the tensioner, its been a PITA ever since. At cold start-ups, it rattles like never before and its loud! Once it warms up, it quites down a bit. ....and Yes, it was a new tensioner :confused:
Also, it leaks where it plugs into the block. I mean, I've followed all the DIY's and write ups on how much torque to apply to the tensioner, but I still get a small oil weep. Even added a bit more of torque just in case. :mad:

I should've left it alone

Oh well, in my opinion, I've wasted $ on two useless upgrades: the tensioner and the $170 "performance" ignition wires from BAVAUTO :mad:

Did you replace the crush washer?

[shellback]

yes

[nickmpower]

Oil Pump is around $150

I think i just ordered one (the "rotor set") from bma for $44