Author Topic: New member with issues (Read 2604 times)

joshcxcb · « **on:** July 17, 2009, 02:11:46 AM »

Ive been lurking for a few years and even registered a while back but screwed up my user name so Im back. i have a 1991 diamondschwartz 318is with 142k on the clock and since 120k i have:
replaced all valves (3 angle valves), new top end rebuild, arp head studs upper and lower oil pan
timing chain cover
02 sensor
every single piece of suspension under the front
maf
all rubber under the hood
all intake gaskets
plug wires
heater plate block off
rebuilt alternator
eibach lowering springs
power steering delete (it was leaking anyway)
front cage welded under oil pan :

here to my issues, I get 18-20mpg and have code 1222 , could a newer o2 sensor already be bad or could my new maf be out of whack
I think my timing chain is loose and may have knocked a hole in the case, hopefully I can jb weld it or something, real oem says like 400$ ill attach pics
I broke a piece off my radiator leaning in to find my ninja oil leak, I was positive it was the dipstick tube but It seems like its the hole in the pics im attaching

thanks in advance!

JP 91iS · « **Reply #1 on:** July 18, 2009, 01:41:21 AM »

That hole is not looking good... Actually none of the issues you mentioned sound very healthy.

You should be able to find a good used part to replace the timing case rather than spend $400 on a new one. You will need that money to rebuild your timing chain and components (if the engine is solid enough to justify the cost). If your belt was loose enough to make that hole then there is most likely more damage that is unseen. I would recommend you pull off the timing covers and inspect the chain and components. You may also want to do a compression and leak down test.

I'm guessing that's your upper radiator hose? That's going to be a hard fix without replacing the radiator I think.

And I'm not sure about the 1222 code, that's usually the O2, but you said you have a recently replaced sensor...

Just curious about why you had to rebuild the head and replace all the valves? Did you have any of the timing components replaced at that time? Have you pulled your lower oil pan to check for chain rail chunks and loose bolts?

joshcxcb · « **Reply #2 on:** July 18, 2009, 12:51:19 PM »

well originally i smashed the pan on a water access lid and it pushed the upper and lower pan against the timing cover. I was low on cash so my mechanic cut corners where he shouldnt have i guess and didnt replace the timing chain guides, 3 weeks later the chain jumped a tooth bending 15 of the valves, he did the labor for free on that one but it still wasnt cheap. Yeah thats the upper radiator hose, i literally just leaned on it a bit while checking the other damage and it cracked off. I was scared that the hose was a bit gunky looking but my oil is clearish still and my coolant is still green so no head gasket leaks. I think when the head was off he replaced everything but the chain inside of the timing case, If i decide to rebuild it is it a huge job? I mechanically inclined but currently have no garage.

DesktopDave · « **Reply #3 on:** July 18, 2009, 03:29:15 PM »

Yeah, I'd have to agree. You have to really want that car to put all this money into it. It'll be cheaper than buying a new car, but not much.

I'd go for the used timing covers, R&R the timing chain & guides IF the leak-down looks great and if the body is excellent. Otherwise part it out & get another one later. The e30s are getting rare but they made a lot of e36s too.

The radiator won't be cheap either. If money was really tight I'd try to sleeve that rad pipe with a thin-wall bit of alu pipe & JB weld after roughening the mating surfaces. I'm not sure it'll hold up, but it might.

joshcxcb · « **Reply #4 on:** July 21, 2009, 10:39:54 PM »

so suppose the timing chain internals are ok and i caught a problem before it eats up anything and i just have the hole, i can have that welded for free. Now about the 1222 code, should i just replace the o2 sensor since i have a new one? Like I mentioned, there is a very small chance that i have a vacuum leak or something could this be a symptom of anything else like a bad fpr or incorrectly calibrated afm? the afm is brand new as are all rubber under the hood and all intake gaskets. I have so much money in the car by now i might as well just fix it. Im gonna be stuck with it forever anyway.

HATER-PROOF · « **Reply #5 on:** July 22, 2009, 02:16:35 AM »

"i can have that welded for free". do that and change the O2 sensor, then see what happens, I mean-it won't hurt to change it.