318IS M42 Crankshaft thrust bearing replacement

[Sash]

Hi Guys,
I have a 1990 318is M42 with a lot of crankshaft end float. It measures around 2-3mm which is excessive. It also makes gearchanging difficult sometimes. My question is if it is possible to relace this thrust bearing without removal of engine/gearbox. Otherwise motor is running well and other than this it's not showing any other wear so I'd rather not completely rebuild as yet. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[E30Mark]

I reckon it will be easier to remove the engine to repair.

Otherwise your going to have to do all the work laying on your back!

You will need to remove the gearbox, cross member, steering rack.
Drop the sump, and i then you will need to remove the big end caps to free the crank. You will also have to remove the chain cover at the front, having previously removed the pulley's etc.

You might be very very luck and be able to change the thrust washers with out removing the crank, but i somehow doubt it on this engine.

Any idea what caused this excessive end float? i bet you must loose the clutch if you park it on a hill.... been there done that many years ago with an old Triumph!

Welcome to the 'zone

[Sash]

Thanks for the advise E30Mark. You have confirmed what I was fearing. The engine will most likely have to come out. No idea what caused the wear as motor is running really well apart from the end float. So the logical thing to do is to leave it as it is and maybe build a fresh engine on the bench. That way the car will be off the road for a few days rather than months. Say an M44 out of an E36 or a Z3.
Cheers

[E30Mark]

Thanks for the advise E30Mark. You have confirmed what I was fearing. The engine will most likely have to come out. No idea what caused the wear as motor is running really well apart from the end float. So the logical thing to do is to leave it as it is and maybe build a fresh engine on the bench. That way the car will be off the road for a few days rather than months. Say an M44 out of an E36 or a Z3.
Cheers

I have a near complete engine sitting here doing nothing... needs rebuilding as it's been sitting under a tarp' for 2 years! plus the head i believe is cracked, never bothered to take it apart to find out why it was mixing oil / water etc.

If your near Dorset and fancy a cheap engine let me know.

[Pal318is]

Thanks for the advise E30Mark. You have confirmed what I was fearing. The engine will most likely have to come out. No idea what caused the wear as motor is running really well apart from the end float. So the logical thing to do is to leave it as it is and maybe build a fresh engine on the bench. That way the car will be off the road for a few days rather than months. Say an M44 out of an E36 or a Z3.
Cheers

I have a near complete engine sitting here doing nothing... needs rebuilding as it's been sitting under a tarp' for 2 years! plus the head i believe is cracked, never bothered to take it apart to find out why it was mixing oil / water etc.

If your near Dorset and fancy a cheap engine let me know.

I'm interested if Sash ain't Mark....What sort of mileage has it done?? How much would you want for it mate?

Thanks

Pal

[E30Mark]

I'm interested if Sash ain't Mark....What sort of mileage has it done?? How much would you want for it mate?

Thanks

Pal

The engine had 148k on it when it decided to let go

It still ran, but sounded bloody awful! oil pressure was down, too much water in the sump !!!

The engine needs a complete rebuild, and does look a tad worse for wear after sitting under the tarp for 2 years, but i reckon it's got to be worth £75 to someone.... postage is not really an option