Author Topic: Uh oh. (Read 2857 times)

Crusty · « **on:** August 04, 2007, 01:15:03 PM »

I'm new here, but I've had a truckload of 3 series cars. I just bought a 318ic with a busted M42. I just took the valve cover off and found some pieces that obviously don't belong in the chain case.

The starter will spin the crank, but the cams don't move. The chain feels tight.

So. . .do I have a broken crank? A broken crank timing gear?

What are my options?

TIA, and I'll get some pics of the pieces up in a moment.

Crusty · « **Reply #1 on:** August 04, 2007, 01:26:17 PM »

The piece on the right looks like it's been in there for a while. The metal backing plate is nice and smooth where the cam chain has been beating on it.

christophbmw · « **Reply #2 on:** August 04, 2007, 02:22:03 PM »

looks like a lifter bucket possibly? i highly doubt the crank is broken you will hear god-awfull noises while cranking, im thinking maybe that the key that holds the bottom chain gear in place is possibly broken, hard to tell though.

i would start by pulling the motor, or at very least the t-chain cover also.

Options: new motor.

D. Clay · « **Reply #3 on:** August 04, 2007, 10:17:36 PM »

I've seen pictures of the part at the top and I think it was part of the chain guide.
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=AF93&mospid=47305&btnr=11_1191&hg=11&fg=25
#6,7, or 14.

christophbmw · « **Reply #4 on:** August 05, 2007, 12:37:42 AM »

Quote from: D. Clay;31057

I've seen pictures of the part at the top and I think it was part of the chain guide.
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=AF93&mospid=47305&btnr=11_1191&hg=11&fg=25
#6,7, or 14.

no those are plastic, the part at the top is metal, after examining these parts it is still very hard to tell what they are from. i think a complete engine tear down is nessasary :rolleyes:.

gearheadE30 · « **Reply #5 on:** August 05, 2007, 11:10:19 AM »

This is the upper mount for the timing chain rail on the right side of the engine looking at it from the front. I just had my engine apart, so I am pretty sure

. The only problem is, usually there is a bolt that goes through the center of that sleeve. There isn't really a place for the bolt to go unless it simply wasn't reinstalled during a rebuild. This makes me wonder what else might not be right...

This would just cause a really loose chain, which I suppose could skip teeth on the cams. If the engine is cranking and cams aren't turning, it is fairly likely that you also have some bent valves.