Mechanic Headache - BMW Forum

offabroadway · 06-17-2005, 01:33 PM

Hey everyone. Well, in our small town, I've had a few run-ins with mechanics, and I'm frankly rather frightened of all of them. I had the chance to visit another place today, and yet again was told that my M20 engine has a timing chain. I promptly opened my trunk and pulled out the Haynes manual, and my box of old timing belt, and showed the fellow. Not impressed was I.

You see, I need someone to help me get Bojangles into tip-top shape. I wouldn't mind doing the work myself, if I had confidence in my mechanical ability. But I don't, and I want her treated well. Now, according this fellow, my ticking engine needs it's valves adjusted (I don't doubt it, no record on the last valve service), the alternator bushings need fixing, and the fuel filter should be replaced.

The second two I can live with for now, but what about the valves? The car sounds exactly the same as it did when I bought it, ticks like a timex. Always thought it was normal. I'm worried what kind of damage maladjusted valves could have on the car.

So, my two questions: what effect will the valve issue have on the car, will it damage it? And does anyone know any reputable mechanics in Nanaimo?

ghead

Kowalski · 06-17-2005, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by offabroadway@Jun 17 2005, 11:33 AM
Hey everyone. Well, in our small town, I've had a few run-ins with mechanics, and I'm frankly rather frightened of all of them. I had the chance to visit another place today, and yet again was told that my M20 engine has a timing chain. I promptly opened my trunk and pulled out the Haynes manual, and my box of old timing belt, and showed the fellow. Not impressed was I.

You see, I need someone to help me get Bojangles into tip-top shape. I wouldn't mind doing the work myself, if I had confidence in my mechanical ability. But I don't, and I want her treated well. Now, according this fellow, my ticking engine needs it's valves adjusted (I don't doubt it, no record on the last valve service), the alternator bushings need fixing, and the fuel filter should be replaced.

The second two I can live with for now, but what about the valves? The car sounds exactly the same as it did when I bought it, ticks like a timex. Always thought it was normal. I'm worried what kind of damage maladjusted valves could have on the car.

So, my two questions: what effect will the valve issue have on the car, will it damage it? And does anyone know any reputable mechanics in Nanaimo? ghead

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your loosing power with the valves, and if they get really bad you could end up with bent one or 2. any mechanic can adjust valves you just need to tell him how many thow you want them adjusted to. and im not in nanaimo to help you with the second question. also one engine does have a chain in the haynes it has a write up for chains and belts. my friends 325ix has a chain. or so he said... but i should hope he knows the difference...

nukeduster · 06-17-2005, 03:11 PM

every m20 has *some* ticking. some, worse than others. its recommended that they get adjusted every 12k miles if my memory serves me correctly.

its something you should be able to do yourself, its time consuming and a bit tedious but its easier than changing the timing belt. there are lots of writups around that show how to do it. should take about 2 hours for an inexperienced person.

fuel filter takes like 10-15 minutes, easy as pie.. alternator isnt hard to replace either. if you can change your belts you can change the alternator. complete alternator is like $109 from autozone.

Kowalski · 06-17-2005, 03:30 PM

also are you in naniamo BC? on the island?

offabroadway · 06-17-2005, 05:02 PM

Yep, thats where I'm at alright.

You would notice if the valves were bent though, right?

wcleafs · 06-18-2005, 12:12 AM

drop down to victoria and visit Tomcat auto or actually give him a call, dont have the number handy but he is on the net. BWM wrecker yard and he will know the shop you should visit, and he and a guy that works for him also work on Bimmers. Ask for Tom.

I am out there all the time squirreling away parts for my old (yet spry lady), if you go down during the week check out one of his employees car. A 320 with a 325is engine and suspension on it. Nice little rocket.

Hope this helps'

offabroadway · 06-18-2005, 11:38 AM

Oh wow. That helps a lot. Look at all the cars he's got! *gulp* A few of them look a little too similar to Bojangles... I think I'll park outside.

wcleafs · 06-19-2005, 12:56 AM

Well dont trust the web page because he is rather slow in updating it

ghead

He's a great guy and tell him that Bob put you on to him. It may help on the price if not it will not hurt

Dentz · 06-19-2005, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by wcleafs@Jun 17 2005, 10:12 PM
drop down to victoria and visit Tomcat auto or actually give him a call, dont have the number handy but he is on the net. BWM wrecker yard and he will know the shop you should visit, and he and a guy that works for him also work on Bimmers. Ask for Tom.

I am out there all the time squirreling away parts for my old (yet spry lady), if you go down during the week check out one of his employees car. A 320 with a 325is engine and suspension on it. Nice little rocket.

Hope this helps'

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If your heading down to Victoria you might as well visist this guy too (we take our mercedez here all the time)

Frank's European Cars Ltd.
2512 Government Street
Victoria, BC

Telephone: 389-0207

offabroadway · 06-19-2005, 02:30 PM

Thank you muchly for the mechanic info, guys. Just a question about the valves, however. It's not looking good, affordibility wise (I'm on a very tight budget) for another month and a half, or thereabouts. Now consider that I'll put about a 1000kms on the car in that time, you think she'll be okay until then?