Timing chain tensioner not engaging... what should I do?!

[MrT8064]

Morning! I've just been trying to replace the timing chain tensioner on my new 318iS, The old one came out OK and the new one seemed to go in (compressed).

I revved the car for 20 seconds to 3500rpm but didn't hear the rattling stop. I noticed a huge amount of rattle at around 2500rpm, so i'm confident it hasn't engaged yet.

What should I do!!?

Thanks and regards

[MrT8064]

Well, I took it out, gave it a tap and put it back in.

The noise is a bit better, but im still getting a LOT of noise at around 3000 rpm. Does this mean my chain is about to let go?

Thanks!

[kangman]

That could be the case, you will need to take the rocker cover off and check the cam sprockets and see if the teeth are sharp.

Mine are sharp but ive had the car almost a year like that and my engine gets driven hard alot and its still going fine. Just get use to that annoying rattle upfront especially on the motorway, but its defo not a good sound.

But im not planning on keeping the m42 block its going to be replaced with something bigger and better

[Andyboy]

Hard to say without looking, but it could well be the chain that's shagged or a broken guide rail, or knackered bearings in the guide sprocket. Really, all these old E30 type M42's need the front taking off and the chain replacing along with any suspect bits - that'll be most of it. Not a bad job - I can do them in a day.

[MrT8064]

Thanks for the replies... Here's the thing; some of my rocker cover bolts just spin indefinitely, so there is no way of getting it off without a special kit so for the time being I can't just have a look!

The engine only has around 100,000 on the clock, so HOPEFULLY it'll just be the guides and everything will hang together until I can get the helical repair kit.

[magpie]

i have some decent m42 cam sprockets for sale if needed.

[MrT8064]

The guy who sold me the car gave me a few sprockets, so i'll see what I still need once it's apart.

What's the opinion on used timing chains?

[magpie]

buy a new chain,i'm sure the cam sprockets are the most expensive parts of the m42 timing chain set up.