Pic of my timing chain and DIY timing chain instructions?

**Lopaka** · 09-25-2001, 10:33 PM

Hey guys, took 3 hours, but I finally got to the timing chain. I am replacing the timing chain tensioner, as the chain is in good condition. I couldn't go on, as the parts didn't come in yet (will be in tomorrow). I was thinking about puttint together a DIY step by step instruction on how to do it. Anyone interested in hosting my pics and steps? As I am not web savvy.

As it is, this I only know how to post 1 pic at a time. Here is a pic of the timing chain.

**rpM** · 09-26-2001, 09:57 AM

Let me know if you need help with the pics and pages. I could probably find a free site to host the info also. Do you have a pic of where the tensioners are and how they come in contact with the chain? I'm curious cause I'm going to change the upper tensioner out soon (got the chain rattle on deceleration of the engine).

**Kevlar** · 09-26-2001, 11:54 AM

I can host it... send it over when you are done.

**Lopaka** · 09-26-2001, 12:08 PM

Originally posted by rpM
Let me know if you need help with the pics and pages. I could probably find a free site to host the info also. Do you have a pic of where the tensioners are and how they come in contact with the chain? I'm curious cause I'm going to change the upper tensioner out soon (got the chain rattle on deceleration of the engine).

rpM, look in my pic. Right in the center. It's the T-bar shaped doo-hicky that is pushing the chain upwards. That's the tensioner. =)

**rpM** · 09-26-2001, 02:08 PM

Originally posted by Lopaka

rpM, look in my pic. Right in the center. It's the T-bar shaped doo-hicky that is pushing the chain upwards. That's the tensioner. =)

Lopaka, there's two right? Where's the other one? I was going to replace the one that is accessible w/o removing the valve cover.

**M3Jokster** · 09-26-2001, 03:34 PM

Lopaka,

i'm also in the process of replacing both my tensioners.....top and side. also the guid rails.

my question is.....where did u purchase the tensioners and the guide rails....and how much?

thanks in advance..........anyone can answer.

**jww///95** · 09-26-2001, 05:52 PM

I don't believe the upper tensioner you guys are refering to is the one causing the noise. All that tensioner does is keep tension on the secondary chain that drives the intake cam off of the exhaust cam.

If you look at the pic I reattached, that tensioner is the one that someone on this board replaced a week or two ago, and solved the noise problem. That is because the highlighted tensioner keeps the chain taught over a much larger distance as it stretches down to the crank sprocket.

Can anyone comment on this???

**NickG** · 09-26-2001, 06:05 PM

Originally posted by jww///95
I don't believe the upper tensioner you guys are refering to is the one causing the noise. All that tensioner does is keep tension on the secondary chain that drives the intake cam off of the exhaust cam.

If you look at the pic I reattached, that tensioner is the one that someone on this board replaced a week or two ago, and solved the noise problem. That is because the highlighted tensioner keeps the chain taught over a much larger distance as it stretches down to the crank sprocket.

Can anyone comment on this???

Jeremy,

I would tend to agree with you. The upper, secondary chain tensioner is much less prone to noise than the primary tensioner that you're referring to. Plus, if the upper tensioner were so loose as to allow the chain to hit the valve cover and make noise, then there should be wear marks on the inside of the valve cover. With the valve cover off, this should be easy to verify.

**M3Jokster** · 09-26-2001, 07:30 PM

i agree,

the primary tensioner (side of chain) is the one that can cause chain to rattle...

**javalee** · 09-26-2001, 07:44 PM

hey guys,
how can u tell when these tensioners need tighening?
I hear something at idle and cud feel it shake when I touch the cover. This noise goes away when I give it some gas.

Going to a BMW CCA drivers' school next weekend.
Is this noise problem major?
Some onel told me it might be vanos because the noise goes away after 1500 rpm

tks in adv

best,
T.

**Lopaka** · 09-26-2001, 10:30 PM

Originally posted by NickG
I would tend to agree with you. The upper, secondary chain tensioner is much less prone to noise than the primary tensioner that you're referring to. Plus, if the upper tensioner were so loose as to allow the chain to hit the valve cover and make noise, then there should be wear marks on the inside of the valve cover. With the valve cover off, this should be easy to verify.

Would agree. the secondary tensioner is more prone to failure. I did visually verify it was the upper as there is scuffing on the valve cover. Also, I can push the tensioner down w/ my pinky. As for the part, it cost me $48.95 for an OEM tensioner. I think BMW charges about $100 to $150 or so.

BTW, put the tensioner in. The valve is back on. I still have to do the thermostat and water pump. So probably tomorrow it'll be done.

**UNVMYM3** · 09-26-2001, 10:31 PM

I replaced the primary chain tensioner about a month ago and it didn't do anything for my car. Still making noise. I think the chain is all streched out or something. The part cost $98 and is like a 5 minute operation to do. If your not sure what's causing the noise, I would still encourage you to try it even though it didn't work for me. I used an 1 1/4 socket to get it off.

HTH

**M3Jokster** · 09-27-2001, 12:56 AM

if u replace both tensioners, and still have the rattle......check your VANOS!

**rpM** · 09-27-2001, 08:33 AM

Hey Lopaka,

I noticed you have an area (highlighted below) that seems to be dirtier than the rest of the engine. I noticed this on my car too, when I was sticking my hand down by the primary tensioner. It was full of black greasy grime. I assume it's some kind of gasket leak? Anything to worry about? It doesn't seem to flow enough to leave oil on the driveway or anything. Anyone else noticed this on their cars?

**Lopaka** · 09-28-2001, 01:59 AM

Well it's done. replaced the chain tensioner, water pump, thermostat, checked the lifters and put everything back. I had a knock fault before, it's now gone so is the vibration noise. Funny thing though, I am getting a 1-2-2-2 fault (vacuum hose leak). I am getting a little hesitation from the car, but I figure it's because I disconnected the battery to do the work so the car will have to cycle properly and adjust. We'll see. I really didn't run in too much today, just a short trip down the block and back. In any case, the car runs great. Now to start a write up. =)

**GMat** · 04-14-2002, 05:18 PM

thanks for reporting the thread... I deleted the attachment, I have NO idea how that happened.

**97M3** · 04-15-2002, 10:28 PM

Lopaka - do you have any more pics of your car? It looks like you
have completely removed all your moldings and I'm considering doing the same.

If you do, my email is kalexander@ptc.com

Thanks!

**scottycs** · 04-15-2002, 10:46 PM

Why are all the pics gone? I dont see any of the area's mentioned. I have the noise and I am wondering what is the secondary tensioner.
Chris

**Lopaka** · 04-16-2002, 04:04 AM

funny this post got back here, I was looking at it the other day and found that the link to the pictures were erroneously linked to a porn site somehow

anyway the moderators probably took the pics out.

**scottycs** · 04-16-2002, 09:20 PM

Can you repost the pics? THanks

Thread: Pic of my timing chain and DIY timing chain instructions?

Thread Tools

Pic of my timing chain and DIY timing chain instructions?

Bookmarks

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions