please help a noob!

[gnarkilla1988]

hello every one I just got my first e30 about a month ago, its a red 86 325es. The body is in great shape and it runs amazing. But I have a few noob like questions.
1: how much "rocker tick" is acceptable? It sounds like rocker tick to me, but is it also possible I'm not using the right octane of fuel and that's the problem? It is not loud, but I can here it and I'm not sure if it is normal for this engine our not,I plan on ding a valve adjustment any way, but I'm still curious.
2: I have herd allot in this forum about the "Bentley" manual. Witch sounds to me like some sort of e30 Bible. I can't find one locally, but I did find a Haynes manual, is this a good to use till I can find the Bible?
3: what is a good differential fluid to use and so on?
4: the lower section under the "diving board" is missing, what kind of bumper can I use? I have read that there is a difference between early and late models, but can't find a definitive answer to what replacement bumper I can use.
I have a degree in diesel technology, and I have been a diesel engine and heavy equipment technician for 7 years.so I'm not new to turning wrenches, but this is my first BMW and I'm in the dark on somethings, so any input would be great.thanks guys,I like thee30 community allot already,I know its just an eta, but I'm very proud of this car because I have wanted an e30 for a long time and I finally have one!

[FLG]

Welcome.

1: Just a slight bit of tick, hard to explain over text but it shouldnt be very loud. Fuel wouldnt matter at idle, under load you can experience pinging if the octane is too low.

2: Buy a bently on ebay, period.

3: For engine, 20w50. Diff, about any diff fluid will do just fine. I like Liqui moly for tranny, seems to work really well for me (ive tried all the rest, amsoil, royal purple, redline..ect)

4: Youl want an early model e/is air dam

[e30blitz]

[QUOTE=FLG;3752011]Welcome.

1: Just a slight bit of tick, hard to explain over text but it shouldnt be very loud. Fuel wouldnt matter at idle, under load you can experience pinging if the octane is too low.


Similar to a sewing machine
;)




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[EatsHondas]

Spend money? Nonsense. Here.

Your E30 Bible

A physical copy may be useful though if you don't like lugging your laptop into the garage.

1) Do a valve adjustment, replace your valve cover gasket and rocker shaft plugs, and call it a day. Fuel injectors make a small clicking sound during normal operation and high mileage M20 heads have worn valve guides. If you still get a lot of tick after an adjustment, there's nothing you can do except rebuild the head.

3) I use Lucas 85w-90/75w-80 (can't remember) Heavy Duty gear oil in my diff and trans. No problems or complaints, shifts well even when cold. The Bentley calls for plain ole' SAE 80, so pick a dual weight oil from a well-known manufacturer somewhere close to those numbers and you should be fine. FLG's definitely right, run 20w50 in the motor.

4) No experience there man, sorry.

[gnarkilla1988]

thanks for help guys. yea i think my little sewing machine is humming along nicely. if any of you have ever owned or herd a subaru,its not quite that loud,witch is why i didnt worry to much about it. it is as you said,nice quite sewing machine sound.