2001 e46 318i - camshaft oil supply

[duffsparky]

Hi All,

I'm just finishing off a top end rebuild of the M43tu engine in our Touring after the DISA valve broke up and went inside number 2 cylinder.

To check for any unhealthy tapping noises etc, and before running the engine up properly, I've turned it over for several seconds on the starter motor with plugs out and pump/alternator belts off. There were no horrible noises, except the plug leads shorting to ground (yippie); however, I had expected to see some oil delivery at the camshaft, but I haven't except that applied during assembly.

Can anyone tell me if there should be any oil delivery to the camshaft at starter motor cranking speeds? If so, how quickly should the oil reach the camshaft? I haven't changed the oil yet as I want to check the original problem hasn't done more damage than originally seen.

Thanks.

[04efi]

I would assume at starter speeds you won't see any oil being pumped. I've always heard the 30 sec rule when it comes to engine oil being pumped. This means within 30 secs your oil should be pumped where it needs to be, at normal operating temps or a warm day outside. On cold days you could see a min. or more. Just my thoughts. What you are trying to do is a cold test run, really when that is done at the factory you are seeing speeds up to 1400 rpms and more. This test is preformed be for hot testing. I would assume if there are no major noises then you should be fine. Started doesn't bind up trying to turn it over means you should have everything correct, but either way when you run it you will no for sure.