Author Topic: Engine rattle & leak (Read 4308 times)

ThisIsTheRanger · « **on:** February 02, 2009, 02:58:49 PM »

I have joined the M42 Club because of my prospective purchase of a relatively clean '90 318is. The only problem with the car is that it has a rattling/grinding noise that the owner's mechanic says is the loose timing chain hitting the cover. He says it has actually worn through the cover and is now slowly leaking oil onto the ground and engine.
My question is this: If it is true that the timing chain has worn a small hole in the cover, how hard would it be to repair the damage?
I have access to a complete parts engine to get the covers from and I am confident in replacing anything that needs to be done. I need to decide within the next 3 hours. Please help

Thanks,
Cody

rallyegolf · « **Reply #1 on:** February 02, 2009, 04:22:48 PM »

Quote from: ThisIsTheRanger;65794

I have joined the M42 Club because of my prospective purchase of a relatively clean '90 318is. The only problem with the car is that it has a rattling/grinding noise that the owner's mechanic says is the loose timing chain hitting the cover. He says it has actually worn through the cover and is now slowly leaking oil onto the ground and engine.
My question is this: If it is true that the timing chain has worn a small hole in the cover, how hard would it be to repair the damage?
I have access to a complete parts engine to get the covers from and I am confident in replacing anything that needs to be done. I need to decide within the next 3 hours. Please help

Thanks,
Cody

You better get that fixed before you have a much larger problem. I would pull the cover, inspect the cam gears and make sure the teeth are not pointed. If everything looks okay, put the new cover on it, and replace the chain tentioner. I think they are pretty cheap, and you should be able to search for a good DIY on this forum to help you out on replacing it the correct way.

good luck.

KenC · « **Reply #2 on:** February 02, 2009, 05:09:44 PM »

1. Turn your back
2. RUN FAST

rallyegolf · « **Reply #3 on:** February 02, 2009, 05:17:48 PM »

Quote from: KenCopperwheat;65805

1. Turn your back
2. RUN FAST

HAHAHAH that is pretty screwed up.

B318M42W · « **Reply #4 on:** February 02, 2009, 06:32:20 PM »

if you decide to look a bit further into it, check the chain guide rails too... Peerless had some guide shattering action

B318M42W · « **Reply #5 on:** February 02, 2009, 06:36:50 PM »

sry... double post

ThisIsTheRanger · « **Reply #6 on:** February 02, 2009, 10:06:37 PM »

Thanks guys. I did end up buying the car so as soon as I can I will pull the covers and replace as needed. If I find carnage, I'll post pics.

KenC · « **Reply #7 on:** February 02, 2009, 10:28:44 PM »

I'd take the timing chain issue as a warning that the previous owner didn't care for the car that well. M42s are reliable if they're maintained...

ThisIsTheRanger · « **Reply #8 on:** February 03, 2009, 04:23:12 PM »

Quote from: KenCopperwheat;65831

I'd take the timing chain issue as a warning that the previous owner didn't care for the car that well. M42s are reliable if they're maintained...

I thought that too but complete maintenence records are included for the past few years. The engine looks great and it has all new hoses/vacuum lines. It looks like this timing chain is the only problem with it.

xwill112x · « **Reply #9 on:** February 03, 2009, 05:16:23 PM »

Quote from: ThisIsTheRanger;65865

I thought that too but complete maintenence records are included for the past few years. The engine looks great and it has all new hoses/vacuum lines. It looks like this timing chain is the only problem with it.

no no no...

the only problem with it was the previous owner...

KenC · « **Reply #10 on:** February 03, 2009, 09:32:30 PM »

I'd rather have all of the vacuum and hose lines be in poor shape than the timing chain.

My guess is that you'll need to replace the chain guides, timing case cover that was worn through, cam sprockets, tensioner, and chain. You're looking at over $500 in parts alone.

Seriously. Walk away.

ThisIsTheRanger · « **Reply #11 on:** February 03, 2009, 10:06:46 PM »

Too late, I already bought it. It's being towed to my house right now as I await its arrival with tools in hand. I have hook ups on all the parts as well as a parts engine so I'm not too worried about it. Other than the noise and leak, the car is really clean (except for some paint fading) and everything works. I'll update this thread when I figure out what is going on.

rhogg · « **Reply #12 on:** February 03, 2009, 10:28:32 PM »

There are a lot of posts on this site about replacing timing chains. Brendan Purcell's site has an excellent DIY. Pelican parts has all the parts you'll need. You really need to address this issue though before you start driving the car. The $500 - $750 you spend now will be a whole lot cheaper than replacing the engine if the chain breaks. Its a great car and a great engine. I have been delighted with my engine since I refreshed the chain and the related sprockets. Use Real OEM to get the part numbers and see how it fits together.

Good Luck. Its a larger but straightforward job. Just a few obstacles, fan nut and crank nut to overcome

ThisIsTheRanger · « **Reply #13 on:** February 04, 2009, 01:55:07 AM »

Quote from: rhogg;65892

Brendan Purcell's site has an excellent DIY.

Thanks for the reference. I am using his write-up. As soon as the car showed up, I tore it apart and this is what I found:

I can see see the chain through the slits and there is a hole by the trigger wheel. I cannot get the 6mm allen head water pump bolt out. Do you have to remove the water pump to pull the lower timing cover?

nicknikolovski · « **Reply #14 on:** February 04, 2009, 02:57:03 AM »

No water pump can remain in place, but if the chain has also damaged the lower chain case the pump will need to come out.