Whew! Almost broke a belt

[Steve Corbett]

Was adjusting the valves on my 89 325I, Found number 1 intake had a worn cam lobe. Had a spare motor sitting in my shop. So I decide to pull that head off, rebuild it then install on my 325I. As I was disassembling it I noticed quite a bit of black rubbery dirt accumulation near the front of the motor. After I took the upper cover I saw what was causing it. Not sure how much longer this would hold up.

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/pict...ictureid=15481

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/pict...ictureid=15482

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/pict...ictureid=15483

[dnguyen1963]

you are one lucky dude.

[Dagamus(NM)]

Yep, you are lucky. I lost a motor this way. Tensioner bolt backed out.

[Steve Corbett]

The tensioner was what let loose, The bearing is shot and barely holding together. Luck of the Irish!!

[Ether-D]

Well, that doesn't always mean the motor is lost (kinda rarely actually). Just some valves n rockers and/or a head usually. T'was good that you found it though.