It Lives!!!!

[bimmergeek]

Just put my 2003 540i back together after doing my first big job...and it runs!!!

Replaced the timing chain guides, pcv/ccv stuff, valley pan, water pump, thermostat and all the associated parts, gaskets, hoses and o-rings. Ended up re-using the old valley pan with "the right stuff - grey" instead of a new one. Powder-coated the valve covers. Cleaned out the oil in the manifold, sent the injectors out for refurb.

I wonder how much I spent on just O-rings? I bit over $2000 in parts. I was so nervous starting it. After a bunch of sputtering and check engine lights, it runs! yay!

[FastJohn]

So how was changing the guides? My 00 is definitely due, though I haven't seen any signs of them breaking.

[bimmergeek]

I wasn't going to do that because I only have 71K on the car, but when tensioning my new belts, my buddy broke the lower timing cover. Getting off the "jesus bolt" was pretty bad but accomplished with a new snap-on impact gun. My guides were in good "nick" (from the British show "Wheeler Dealers", lol). Some people drop the lower oil pan and look for plastic pieces.