I don't even know what to do.. Need help.

[VLT]

Today, I was going to finish getting the engine ready to go back in the car. All that needed to be done was VANOS and valve cover. Well I start trying to get the main exhaust sprocket with the lower chain on. Too short. So I figure maybe a link is caught up somewhere and it needed some whipping while slightly rotating the crank. That didnt do it.. Finally I remove the oil pan to see if anything is caught up and it is seated on the sprocket perfectly. This is a new IWIS chain. I mean we are talking a centimeter too short. I'm completely at a loss right now on what to do. The engine would have been ready to boost after the vanos timing and now I feel like I'm 10 steps back.

Has anyone had this issue? Everything looks seated correctly.

[TheJuggernaut]

You didn't mention it so, the tensioner is out right?

[VLT]

You didn't mention it so, the tensioner is out right?

Yes the tensioner is out. Head just went on about 5 days ago with the CES copper combo gasket kit. Double checked to make sure lifter trays are seated properly. I replaced the oil pump chain and fits perfect. Haven't gotten to try the upper chain yet..

If you are curious on the chain I received it is P/N 11 31 1 432 176

[someguy2800]

I just did one for someone else this weekend with a cutring and spacer and the exhaust sprocket was really hard to get on even with a used chain.

[VLT]

I just did one for someone else this weekend with a cutring and spacer and the exhaust sprocket was really hard to get on even with a used chain.

Finally got it on, just cost a busted thumb. If I were doing this again I would NOT get a new lower chain. Now I get to do this process a few more times tomorrow to get it aligned. Thanks for the input guys.

On another note, Is it okay to reuse the oil pan gasket? It was just installed and torqued, no heat cycles. Really don't want to have this bad boy leaking.

[IR M5]

Should be fine. Make sure to use silicone in the correct areas.

[someguy2800]

I’ve had mine on and off probably 10 times on 2 different motors

[VLT]

Should be fine. Make sure to use silicone in the correct areas.

I’ve had mine on and off probably 10 times on 2 different motors

Thanks for the input. I'll clean off the RTV I laid down from the initial install.

[VLT]

Another thing is this chain is TIGHT. no play at all.

[bmw328m52]

Thanks for the input. I'll clean off the RTV I laid down from the initial install.

^This. forgot to add rtv when I installed mine the last go around. It WILL leak....

[somebody5788]

This is just one of the many reasons I'm not a fan of the head spacer idea.

[VLT]

Should be fine. Make sure to use silicone in the correct areas.

^This. forgot to add rtv when I installed mine the last go around. It WILL leak....

Did you RTV the whole mating surface or just the rear main/timing cover area?

[IR M5]

Just the rear main/timing cover areas

[bluptgm3]

Should be fine. Make sure to use silicone in the correct areas.

Permanent #2, non hardening sealant, similar to what BMW used.


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[JPE36M3]

^This. forgot to add rtv when I installed mine the last go around. It WILL leak....

yup, I was advised otherwise to use Indian head shellac on my entire oil pan gasket. Was told it would seal those bmw knotches as well.. It DID NOT. my oil pan leaks. trial and error. you live and learn. RTV only in those factory required areas on the pan and timing chain case as well. At least it sealed the hell out of my headgasket.

[328iFun]

I didn't have a problem with my chain?

Probably a bit loose from higher miles

[bmw328m52]

I didn't have a problem with my chain?

Probably a bit loose from higher miles

I didn't either but it was definitely a little tighter...

[VLT]

Engine is timed, hopefully correctly. Spun it twice and blocks drop on @ TDC. With the copper spacer is the timing procedure with the main exhaust sprocket the same? VANOS operating wise. Main exhaust sprocket aligned far left for bolts? Chain tensioner literally does nothing here. This chain is extremely tight.

VANOS is installed and all thats needed is the valver cover and oil pan now.