Author Topic: How to redo Timing (Read 3101 times)

Mbryce42 · « **on:** October 02, 2007, 07:56:23 PM »

Hey this is my first time posting anything but i'm always on here getting help about my car, I found out the other day i blew a head gasket so i decided to do it all myself and take it apart, and ofcourse i didnt try hard enough to find specific stuff on how to keep it timed so we just took everything apart, meaning nothing about the timing chain, cams and pistons line up. Does anyone have a link to a write up or know how to position everything to time it correctly.

christophbmw · « **Reply #1 on:** October 04, 2007, 08:41:29 PM »

its pretty complex (well compared to most motors). i would buy the bentley guide for the E36. its worth the $50 or however much they are charging for it now.

to line up the cams you need a special tool (you can use a chisel if its the right size, it has to be round) that locks the flywheel so cyl 1 is at TDC. Then you need another special tool that holds the back of the cams so they are lined up (i did mine by eye.....but i have lots of experience so i would try it by eye for your first time). then you install the chain starting at the crank, and going counter clockwise, to the first cam, then to the exaust cam....

....i forgot the procedure for installing the tensioner, and i do not own a bentley (i used all-data for that procedure). hope this helped

, get the bentley.

sheepdog · « **Reply #2 on:** October 04, 2007, 10:11:28 PM »

For the tensioner, pop it, then install.

christophbmw · « **Reply #3 on:** October 05, 2007, 11:50:42 AM »

Quote from: sheepdog;35041

For the tensioner, pop it, then install.

i thought you had to take the valve cover off and push on it from the inside with a pry bar (once its installed) to release the tensioner (because it comes preloaded). and then turn the engine over by hand untill oil is pushed through it?

sheepdog · « **Reply #4 on:** October 05, 2007, 07:39:10 PM »

Quote from: christophbmw;35072

i thought you had to take the valve cover off and push on it from the inside with a pry bar (once its installed) to release the tensioner (because it comes preloaded). and then turn the engine over by hand untill oil is pushed through it?

Pop it open first.
They tell you to not do that because some people have trouble installing with it expanded. I have done it a few times, as has BMWman91 and never had a problem.

No need to rev the engine, no need to take any covers off.

hochiminh · « **Reply #5 on:** June 03, 2010, 03:47:53 PM »

Bump for cam installation process. When I install the cams, None of the Cam "Bumps" should be pushing any valves open, correct? How come they don't line up relative to each other? I know I am supposed to line 'em up relative to each other but don't know if torquing them down without the special tools might cause some bending. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.