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I was unscrewing the distributor rotor and discovered that one side of the three-winged adapter that holds it in place has broke off. I ordered a replacement and wish to repair it myself. If I unscrew the bolt that holds it in place, will it affect the timing? And will I have to purchase another bolt due to stretching? Thanks
Last edited by Theriz325; 09-23-2020 at 12:51 AM.
Wagon meister :)
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I am going to assume you mean this part #7: https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/sho...diagId=11_4365
You can re-use the bolt, and I would just go ahead and replace the timing belt if it has been 3 or more years anyway. You would have to be very careful, for the keeper pin would be the only thing holding the gear in place.
I would wonder what broke the ear off, as that's not a common thing I have seen with that engine.
Last edited by dworthy; 09-23-2020 at 04:50 AM.
Darin
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Anytime you release the tension on the timing belt it has to be replaced. In 1989 I took my 1985 325e (~45k miles) to a shop to have the valves adjusted, the timing belt+tensioner replaced and some other work done. The tech said he couldn’t adjust 2 valves as the lobes were too worn. I took the car and my maintenance log book to BMW of San Diego and explained the situation to the SM. He had the district service rep authorize the replacement of the cam for free. It seems BMW had received a bunch of improperly hardened cams for the eta engine. Long story short: I was charged for the new timing belt but not the cam or any labor.
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Frankly not much need to do it at all. Two screws ought to retain the rotor just fine.
I'd love to know how it got broken and where the other piece is.
Does M20 cam have a "hub" for the sprocket or only centered by the bolts? If a hub I wouldn't be afraid to change the rotor piece without slackening the belt. Caveat being very careful.
If you can leave two black stripes from the exit of one corner to the braking zone of the next, you have enough horsepower. - Mark Donohue
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BMW Tech Expert
I also can't imagine how that could have broken; it's a hefty piece!
Nothing in the timing is affected by replacing this. That said, if the T belt is more than about 40k miles or six years old, it should be done, along with the water pump when you do the t-belt.
Chris Powell
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