318i bmw sounds like a diesel, found problem

[codypenn56]

I did my research and found out that why my 318 94 was sounding like a truck. the unit is called a VANOS and it retards and progress timming on the cams. now that i know what it is, buy the way it seems to be a big job, does anyone have a input on it. i would really like to leave it, but if i leave it..... will it damage the motor???? or just have less preformance and still last long like a beemer should.
thanks

[E36 Phantom]

I need to double check this, but I'm relatively certain M42s don't have VANOS.

[qualicas]

I can second that M42 NO vanos. I just finished rebuilding my M42. I'm assuming the engine is missing. Check to see if all 4 spark plugs are working. Pull the plugs and have a look. If anyone looks different it might not be firing. I have recently read about coil faults causing misfires. Might check that. There is also the possibility that the timing chain hydraulic tensioner could be having problems. Is the oil nice and clean? If it hasn't been changed for a long time that could cause some oiling problems that might have caused this.

[Adam318is]

@codypenn56;

Our 318's don't have VANOS. That's one of the main things we have going for our 318's is that we don't have to deal with that when it starts to fail.

We don't even have coils, we have a wire set. OP, when's the last time you've done a good, solid tune up? Sparks, wires, belts, etc.? It's amazing what replacing some of these commonly overlooked items can fix/prevent!

[Boab]

I sure hope this dude aint researching anything of importance!

Yeah mate - Take heed to what Adam has written - spot on advice. Old oil especially deteriorates and can leave the cam and followers a little (or a lot) noisey. Get the right viscosity of GOOD oil and an all round engine service, then start looking at what else it might be (if the service hasnt solved ****).

A service is prety damn cheap too considering.

Cheers

[codypenn56]

Ok well i bought the car. And changed oil 20-50 royal purple in it, and so what is it all plugs look good. It has to be the tensioner becasue theres nothing else that could make that noise. can i reach the tensioner if i just take the valve cover off.

[qualicas]

No. You get at the tensioner from a 1" plug on the right hand (passenger) side of the
front cover. Undo the plug and the tensioner should come right out. Put new one in put cap on
start engine and rev to 3500 rpm for 20 sec to get the tensioner to work.
Best to look up exact procedure, I did mine on an engine stand when I was reassembling the engine.

[codypenn56]

do the tensioners go out offen, I am going to go check the location now, but Dont you think it could be the rubber that the chain is ridding on is worn down to the metal and making the noise, the car has 161,000 miles on it. also the owner said he replaced the head, so i dont really know.

[PhilipWOT]

http://img.moronail.net/img/6/1/1261.jpg

[qualicas]

Chain rides on plastic lined guides. I don't think they would make rattling noise.Replacing them would be much bigger job than replacing the tensioner. Total front cover and front harmonic balancer would have to be removed.

[codypenn56]

Ok Ill check out the tensioner.