Author Topic: upper timing chain cover uneven w/ head (Read 3638 times)

PaulC · « **on:** April 05, 2008, 05:07:56 PM »

The upper timing chain cover is uneven with the head, at least 1mm. Tried loosening the cover bolts and prying down a bit as shown in e36 Bentley. Not sure where to go from here. Sorry I don't have pics, but it looks like the upper cover has been off before, maybe the profile gasket was done. ODO reads 88K. Any help much appreciated. Thanks

bmwpower · « **Reply #1 on:** April 05, 2008, 06:37:40 PM »

Original cover? If head was off before and it was improperly machined with the front cover off, this would cause what you're seeing.

The front cover needs to be on the head when it is skimmed.

PaulC · « **Reply #2 on:** April 05, 2008, 11:24:54 PM »

Don't know the maintenance history of this motor. Might just use some sealant at the gap and see. Thanks for the info.

D. Clay · « **Reply #3 on:** April 06, 2008, 12:34:03 AM »

If you're sure the cover is down according to the Bentley procedure, then it probably was not machined with the head as noted above. The simplest solution is take it off and remove a mm on a belt sander. Gasket sealant always starts leaking after a while.

PaulC · « **Reply #4 on:** April 06, 2008, 12:49:28 PM »

Not sure if the cover was installed correctly. Gut tells me no but I haven't removed it. Thanks again.

318is93 · « **Reply #5 on:** April 06, 2008, 04:47:59 PM »

When installing the upper timing cover, mount the VC and put in a few bolts to tq specs while you have the timing case bolts finger tight. Then tighten down the bolts for the upper timing cover. This should help align the upper timing case to the top of the head.

nicknikolovski · « **Reply #6 on:** April 07, 2008, 05:00:22 AM »

318is93 is exactly right. Same thing happened to me, when I put in the new front profile gasket, the upper cover looked uneven but as soon as I put the vc on, it was all good. Try it out and let us know how you go.

PaulC · « **Reply #7 on:** April 07, 2008, 12:44:17 PM »

OK, will do. Thanks everyone.

swiss318is · « **Reply #8 on:** April 08, 2008, 04:03:54 AM »

when the block is machined once it can be that the timing case doesnt fit properly anymore.. thats the reason why there is a thick elastic rubber gasket.. you cant move around the lower timing case, its fix. due to the oilpan..

PaulC · « **Reply #9 on:** April 16, 2008, 09:05:40 PM »

Got new upper timing case cover gaskets and profile gasket and was able to get it almost flush by prying down as shown in Bentley. Forgot about leaving the cover loose and installing the VC before tightening the tc cover. New VC gaskets and a dab of sealant, hopefully it'll do. Thanks again for all the help.