Is this Infamous M20 Tick? Something Else?

[Chimi]

Hi,

I recently went through a timing belt job on an E30 I just purchased. During the process, I took the belt off and lost TDC and actually turned the crankshaft pretty hard with a 22mm wrench, so my concern is whether I did any damage to the valves... I can't recall if it was ticking as loudly before I disassembled it. I adjusted the valves and fired it up, and the car started no problem. There's just the ticking sound... I re-did the valve adjustment to make sure I didn't make a mistake, but they're all gapped to 0.01" cold and they're still making this sound.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0Bz5cWVWqNOQBVmxkTmVsNHMwM1E/view?usp=sharing

I linked a video; is that ticking sound the normal ticking sound or something else?

[DesertBMW]

If you did any damage to the valve you would have a misfire at that cylinder right away. M20 is known for it's valve guide wear and to me M20 always ticks some are quieter than the other.

[Dirty325ix]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypSx1G05j1c

this was 3 years ago and it still sounds the same and is running strong
learn to love the tick

[Bullhead]

Well with the cam belt off, the valves wouldn't even open or close to come into contact with the pistons out of time?

[raudonis]

Well with the cam belt off, the valves wouldn't even open or close to come into contact with the pistons out of time.

Stop spreading misinformation!

[Bullhead]

I'm not trying to spread misinformation, I would think sense there is nothing driving the cam to open or close valves and he had it rested where all of them were closed there would be no interference. But then again I am still fresh on these cars and there might always be an open valve.

[Bullhead]

Stop spreading misinformation!

I would also like to add if I'm spreading incorrect information, always let me know because I'm genuinely trying to help others. And next time instead of banging me then running out, post the correct information.

[nando]

the camshaft opens the valves. not the belt. lol

[Bullhead]

the camshaft opens the valves. not the belt. lol

I know that, but the belt drives the camshaft correct?

[nando]

yes, but that has nothing to do with valves being opened or not. there will always be at least one valve, if not two, that are opened, due to the firing order of the engine.

[Bullhead]

yes, but that has nothing to do with valves being opened or not. there will always be at least one valve, if not two, that are opened, due to the firing order of the engine.

Right on, I appreciate that info Nando. I was just hoping the OP would have been ok if he rolled it over while the belt was off and it didn't hurt anything but it looks like he may have. Thanks again for clearing me up bro.

[TurboJake]

Sounds like a normal M20 recorded by a cheap microphone to me. (Emphasizes the mid to higher frequencies).

If you want solid, 100% answers, leakdown test. I seriously doubt you damaged anything based on how smooth it's running and that it would require a LOT of force, even with that big ol' 22mm wrench. If you feel anything strange, test it.

[Chimi]

Desert, Dirty, and Turbo - thanks for the info. I was able to take it out last night with more confidence, and it drove well.

There was one hitch, shortly after starting it up again, I pulled up to my light and the car died. I noticed the RPMs were low while idling -- around 400 sometimes. This morning, I didn't have any issues. Does this have to do with the ECU having to relearn after disconnecting then reconnecting the battery?

[Sh3rpak!ng]

I have the same noise. It is driving me crazy, replaced eccentrics nuts and bolts, adjusted the clearances several times, changed the oil, nothing made a difference. I will to one more adjustment but I am thinking it's just normal noise now. I passed another e30 a day ago, sounded the same.

Good luck

[estoguy]

A properly running M20 should sound like a sewing machine.