Got a Cam seal and o-ring replacement question?

[Denny]

Hi

Got a Cam seal and o-ring replacement question? I regret not have done it when I replaced all the M20 gaskets, water pump, timing belt..etc..

It's leaking now... Would it be easy to replace? example: tie wrapping the cam gear/timing belt together and move it out of the way? and do it..

[jlevie]

If the car has been driven over a few miles since the timing belt was installed, it will have to be replaced along with the seal and o-ring. The tensioner can be reused.

Before removing the belt, loosen the cam sprocket bolt. And wait until the belt si on to tighten it.

[Denny]

If the car has been driven over a few miles since the timing belt was installed, it will have to be replaced along with the seal and o-ring. The tension can be reused.

Before removing the belt, loosen the cam sprocket bolt. And wait until the belt si on to tighten it.

Really...why? The timing belt has about 1500KM on it...its brand new.

[bmwstudent]

I don't have any personal experience reusing a belt, but I've heard that they don't like to be reinstalled after the've had a few miles on them. Not sure why they fail, but for the money I'd get a new belt. Nobody wants to see one break or jump a tooth.

[mrgraphics]

Timing belts are like stretch bolts. First stretch - great. Second stretch, break.

[jlevie]

Really...why? The timing belt has about 1500KM on it...its brand new.

Once tensioned and in service the timing belt must be replaced if removed. So says the TIS. A timing belt is ridiculous cheap compared to the cost if it breaks. So it makes no sense to reuse it.

[quikveedb2]

Really...why? The timing belt has about 1500KM on it...its brand new.

I hate to bump an old-ish thread but I'd getting to do the belt & associated parts for the 2nd time on my m20 here pretty soon so I'm doing some brushing up, and this kind of shit drives me crazy. First of all 1500km is not brand new, it's used. As soon as it comes out of the package & gets installed, it's used. Even if you don't start the car. If it's installed, it's used, period. Second, as jlevie (a highly respected & knowledgeable member) points out, the TIS says to replace the belt & it is incredibly cheap. If you choose not to follow instruction direct from BMW engineers you must be really smart, and have plenty of extra dough around to rebuild your engine when your "brand new" belt snaps. /rant