Timing Chain Guides

[andy81563]

I am replacing timing chain guides on my 1999 540i. Two questions:
1. Is the crank bolt right hand threaded?
2. How do I know if the secondary chain tensioners should be replaced?

Thanks for help.
Andy

[JimLev]

I am replacing timing chain guides on my 1999 540i. Two questions:
1. Is the crank bolt right hand threaded?
2. How do I know if the secondary chain tensioners should be replaced?

Thanks for help.
Andy

1) Yes, right hand thread
2) The ones between the cams, might as well, they aren't expensive.

[andy81563]

Thank you, JimLev. I will be trying to get this project done over the next couple of weeks so I may have other questions/concerns.

[Roxie]

This might help some.

http://www.bimmerboard.com/forums/posts/876903

https://www.germanautosolutions.com/..._tools_diy.php

[JimLev]

And if you don't like reading lots of pages here is a video on how to time the 540tu engine.
https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...a-540tu-engine

[Mannyf540]

Here’s a great thread with details of nuances you may encounter while performing the job.

https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...es-input/page2

[andy81563]

When removing the crank bolt, is the flywheel pin sufficient to keep the crank from turning or must you use a crank-holding tool on the front of the engine?

[edjack]

The Bentley manual shows the use of the BMW tool that engages the crank hub. The bolt is torqued circa 400 ft-lbs.

Our Ole Buddy JimLev uses a 3/4 in drive socket and wrench.

I don't believe the flywheel pin will withstand the force.

[Mannyf540]

When removing the crank bolt, is the flywheel pin sufficient to keep the crank from turning or must you use a crank-holding tool on the front of the engine?

Proper procedure calls for the crank holder tool.

But some have gotten away with just the crank holder. My GAS steel crank holder did not withstand the force, It bent!!

I should have the crank holder tool tomorrow.
Also if you have an impact, it should come right off.

Your mileage may vary. All my bolts were very snug!! Or I haven’t worked on an engine in a long time.

[andy81563]

I have fabricated a steel plate that extends from crank hub over to mounting hole for belt tensioner. I presume that boss will hold. Thoughts?
IMG_2505.JPG

[andy81563]

That plate worked great plus it helps to have a 1" drive socket.

[Mannyf540]

7E8C68C7-FF3F-4415-9AC2-5DB1AE206D06.jpg71BAEACF-10BF-4A7F-A6A2-38B4CCD460DB.jpg

- - - Updated - - -

Crank holder in place, my makeshift cheater bar with a 1/2 breaker bar.

[andy81563]

Trying to remove the camshaft drive sprocket bolts now. They are extremely hard to loosen. (Yes, I know they are left-handed threads). And, am having a hard time holding the cam so I can get some heft behind the wrench.

[Mannyf540]

Trying to remove the camshaft drive sprocket bolts now. They are extremely hard to loosen. (Yes, I know they are left-handed threads). And, am having a hard time holding the cam so I can get some heft behind the wrench.

By sure to counter hold with a 27mm wrench. I sprayed some PB Blaster on the cam bolts for good measure. If you got the crank bolt off, you’ll get the cam bolts off.

[andy81563]

It looks like I may be in a mess with the oil pump. Since the drive chain was rather stretched, I decided to change it. When I went to remove the sprocket I have discovered that the mounting nut is stripped and it won't even come off. I know the threads on this bolt are left-hand. When I broke the nut free, it now just spins in one place. I guess I will have to replace the oil pump.

[Mannyf540]

Hi Andy,
Here is a video that will help with that procedure.





https://youtu.be/ZQurYvYbrJM

[Mannyf540]

https://youtu.be/t0mbjBX4RlU
I’ll leave this here as well. How to adjust and clean your oil pump.



Good luck,
Cheers!!

[1999 540i m]

It looks like I may be in a mess with the oil pump. Since the drive chain was rather stretched, I decided to change it. When I went to remove the sprocket I have discovered that the mounting nut is stripped and it won't even come off. I know the threads on this bolt are left-hand. When I broke the nut free, it now just spins in one place. I guess I will have to replace the oil pump.

I'm 99% sure oil pump is standard thread

[Mannyf540]

I'm 99% sure oil pump is standard thread

Yes the oil pump is standard thread. Turn counter clockwise to losen.

[1999 540i m]

Yes the oil pump is standard thread. Turn counter clockwise to losen.

That explains the guys stripped oil pump, that had to be hard to do!

[andy81563]

I have gotten the nut off the pump that holds the sprocket. Nut threads were stripped, not the threads on the pump shaft, so all I will need is a new nut. Note: these threads are LEFT HANDED, clockwise to loosen.

[Mannyf540]

https://bmwtis.info/removing-and-ins...ngine-bmw-m62/

The nut should be turned counterclockwise to losen. That is why your nut stripped.

[andy81563]

See attached. Threads are left-handed.

Oil Pump e39.pdf

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I see the TIS shows different from the Bentley manual. Hmmm.

[Mannyf540]

Fellow E39ers, which way does the nut turn.

This is nuts!!

[1999 540i m]

I just dug out my spare oil pump, it is standard right hand thread, the bentley manual is wrong