318i M42 timing help please! - BMW Forum

Daviid318i · 01-06-2012, 05:17 PM

i have a 91 318i.. m42 engine.. the head gasket went on it, and im down to the point to where i need to remove the cams to take the head off.. ive never done anything like this before and was wondering if anyone would be able to tell me how to make sure i get the cam gears in the correct place and make sure its timed right.. any help would be apreciated!

Frozen 318i · 01-06-2012, 05:54 PM

Make a mark on the cam and cam gear to make sure you line them up. the thinner the mark the better.

ncktuley1 · 01-07-2012, 03:00 PM

There is a special tool that you can buy to line up the cams so they're on TDC. And at the end of the cams, there are two little holes on each one only on one side. make sure those are pointed up when you have the lower end of the block set at tdc. then line the cams up with the tool.

Frozen 318i · 01-07-2012, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ncktuley1

There is a special tool that you can buy to line up the cams so they're on TDC. And at the end of the cams, there are two little holes on each one only on one side. make sure those are pointed up when you have the lower end of the block set at tdc. then line the cams up with the tool.

I am sorry I should have said something about that you should use the cam locking tool to lock the cams in place, if you are not changing your timing chain you can also remove the head without moving the cams. just remove cam gears and you can make the tool yourself look in the chilton's repair manual the dimensions are there. I made my marks using a nail so the the mark didn't wipe off and the where spot on..for the fly wheel you should buy the tool to lock it on passenger side of oil pan..I set TDC before the head went back on then I put a rod thru the spark plug hole to make sure it stayed that way.

Daviid318i · 01-07-2012, 05:12 PM

Thank you both. I should be able to handle it from here. Thanks again

Jack Dabsy · 01-08-2012, 07:54 AM

There will be a mark/arrow on the cam-pulley, and a mark on the head...!
Alternatively you could use a tie-wrap (zip-tie) to hold the chain to the cam-pulley.
Remember to set the crank to TDC ;-)