tracked e36 m3 s52...issues

[jrkoupe]

wanted to ask you all here , as I trust you guys the most......Im not that smart....lol


e36M3...s52......tracked hard for yrs...like 15-20 days per year. Engine has about 7 yrs on her......it was a crate engine from BMW

not mine, but a close buddy


was at track, and during his second session he sees some smoke out back for a split moment, car hiccups a bit, then she is fine for 9-10 seconds, then seems a bit down on power.

brings her in pits and op gauge shows like 10-12 on hot idle.........engine has a bit of knock tho.

hes not that mechanical, Im a bit moreso, but not a hi level DIY type.

Any insight.............?........... I can use a steth and listen to vc area, and o.pan area.....

pull valve cover?.......pull pan?......

I asked if he had a mishift, but he said no...

hes got pan baffles, euro oil cooler set up , oil pump nut, etc etc etc


I know these engines are rather stout outside of say overheats, and HG issues...............Ive heard of dropping a valve, and spun a bearing stuff too

[olemiss540]

I am no expert (so this is mainly to stir discussion), but you will need more information that "quick puff of smoke" and possible knocking from the engine bay to diagnose. Steth out where the noise is coming from (top end or bottom end) and compression/leakdown would be a couple options for next steps.

These bottom ends are fairly bullet proof, but oil continued low oil pressure from the stock oiling setup (even with a baffle) will EVENTUALLY lead to bearing issues I am guessing. Going s54 pump/pan route or an Accusump would be recommended to help, but blocks are so cheap, not sure its worth it unless its a $$$ motor.

[jrkoupe]

hey....

I hear ya......

Just found out hes dropping it off at turner...$$$$$$$$$.......I bet he just trashes it for an s54 after all these yrs.........

[TheJuggernaut]

Bearing and terminal oil pressure problems don't get better intermittently. Hard to say without hearing but the knock might just be lifter rattle. Pull the plugs and see how they look. One of them may be fouled, causing misfire (and rich black exhaust).

[jrkoupe]

having tracked an s50 myself for years, Im assuming u mean the "v/ train rattle" after a hard session?

its not that

as i said its going to turner.... I woulda had fun diving into it , but my buddy rather cut a check