Need timing chain help m50.

[Bimmerbuilder]

I have been unable to get a hold of my regular source for bmw know how so I need to ask someone on here that has done m50 timing chain job. Everything is installed and done acording to the instructions on pelican parts tec section but if I turn the engine over after setting everything up back around to tdc and install the flywheel lock the cam shafts are not straight and the tool won't sit back down on the cams. is this normal? or should I be able to spin the engine and have everything realign? I'm worried that if I start the car it'll bend a valve.

[leoreyes69]

I just did mine, If you did everything correct you should be able to turn ur engine a couple of times with a rachet and socket, no prob. its easier to turn if you take the plugs out. If nothing hits than you did it right.

[darkhorse737]

^ +1 if it will turn on the crankshaft bolt for at least 5 consecutive revolutions without getting stuck, then have no fear

[Bimmerbuilder]

Finally he got back to me! he was busy working on a porsche 928 with a v8 and he is doing an s50 rebuild right now. he said that after everything is tight i should put the main chain tensioner tool back in finger tight and must be able to turn the engine 2 times to tdc again. install the crank lock and the camshaft lock should slip in flush on the exhaust and that I may have to turn the intake cam counter clock wise till it tightens the chain on the bottom of the upper chain or lift up on the top tensioner and then the intake cam lock should just slip back on flush. he said that a major mistake is the intake cam will drift back a few deg if the vanos is not set in right and that no mater how many times the engine is turned the cam locks should slip right back on with the chains tight in their pulling direction on tdc. Mine was off. he said if it was off a few deg it would just run underpowered but not bend anything. but if the vanos was really off it would bend valves.

Thanks for your replies. but he really knows his stuff.

[onewire]

I am working on an M50 now and am also using the pelican parts info for my reference. Your post should prove helpful for me. Can you provide me with your steps on achieving TDC on the intake? or exhaust? (did you guess that I don't have the manual). I am working removing on the head to be pressure checked and I wanted to try to keep things lined up.

thanks in advance.