M42 e30 timing chain

bimmer30 · 08-23-2009, 12:15 PM

Hello guys,

I was just wondering how to check if my timing chain never snapped I heard these rarely snap but would like to really find out cause I am not really sure with my car dilemma as many of you may know. The car is a 1991 bmw 318i with M42engine timing chain driven. Pictures would help and steps as well thank you all

Berlin · 08-23-2009, 12:21 PM

are you trying to find out if the timing chain is broken or if has broken in the past and has since been repaired?

if it is broken: the engine will not work.

if it failed during operation in the past: the engine will likely have been scrapped as well.

if you are hearing it slinging back and forth, slapping the case, it is stretched and old or the tensioner is going.

Ceeker · 08-23-2009, 12:26 PM

Your car won't start if your timing chain has snapped. You'll need to remove the valve cover to inspect this. You'll also need to know what to look for when we're dealing with worn gears or chain. if it has snapped you won't have to worry about it because the guy would have had an extensive expense to repair the car and make it work again. These chains and gears typically don't wear out if the oil level is up and changes were done regularly. The timing chain tensioner - hydrolic - starts to give after a few hundred thous km. makes a clanking noise in the timing case. These are about 100.00 and easy to replace. The timing chain guides sometimes wear out too if not taken care of this is more extensive and requires you to go into the motor to change.

bimmer30 · 08-23-2009, 05:22 PM

here is what i found when i opened the valve cover

Ceeker · 08-23-2009, 05:27 PM

ummmm ok...and...? :-)

bimmer30 · 08-23-2009, 05:32 PM

this car won't start!

bimmer30 · 08-23-2009, 05:34 PM

fuel pump is brand new and working i can hear it run when on position and i checked the lines.. already checked and ok

bimmer30 · 08-23-2009, 05:34 PM

Cranks cranks and cranksargharghargh

Ceeker · 08-23-2009, 05:56 PM

check fuel pressure. disconnect line at the fuel rail to see if you got pressure; do you smell fuel going to the motor? check coils make sure you got spark. pull a plug and put the wire back on the plug and keep the plug close to the valve cover or someplace you can arc the spark plug to check for ign spark. Don't put your hand on the plug, you'll get a nice shock. especially if the car turns over..lol.

E30M42cab · 08-23-2009, 09:00 PM

Check your grounds too... Crank position sensor? Throttle position sensor...

bimmer30 · 08-23-2009, 09:16 PM

i got it working thanks for the advice

E30M42cab · 08-23-2009, 10:13 PM

and how?

iignite · 08-24-2009, 01:31 AM

this thread is full of fail

e30jones · 08-24-2009, 08:05 PM

hey bimmer30, post what the solution was. Do you know how annoying it is when you have a problem, search, find a thread with the exact same symptoms, scroll to the bottom for a possible solution, and get a "thanks, fixed it", but have no idea how....

bimmer30 · 08-29-2009, 12:37 AM

it was fuel pump connectors the connectors wiggle out sometimes thus need to re connect