Space between Water Pump pulley and Harmonic Balancer (really small gap )

[NYCDelphin]

Hey peeps, I am in the process of doing a water pump, timing belt job and when putting back on the water pump pulley, I noticed how close it was to the harmonic balancer...its not touching.. but its really close.
Is this as expected? see pic below...

All bolts are tightened etc... Just want to make sure before I start on putting on the belts...which will line up just fine.. but that space is gonna worry me.

thanks !

[tomstin]

I don't remember noticing that on mine, but I think you're good

[ADEN]

You cleaned belt cover really well.what did you do?
Clearance really tight u may need to purchase the same belt brand as the old ones, if u needed to replace the belts.

[NYCDelphin]

I don't remember noticing that on mine, but I think you're good

thanks tomstin... i wished i had taken a better pic before i removed the water pump pulley so that i can compare.

[NYCDelphin]

You cleaned belt cover really well.what did you do?
Clearance really tight u may need to purchase the same belt brand as the old ones, if u needed to replace the belts.

Hey Aden, I used a degreaser, brake cleaner and a really light abrasive pad I picked up from Home Depot.
Hope it stays clean.
It's a 1988 352e that seemed to have never had anything done to it. So much gunk and dirt, but that adds to the satisfaction of making it clean :)

[mike87]

I just refurbed my M20 and can share this photo (yes I'm running PS delete, yes I'm running AC delete). That tiny gap between the harmonic balancer and WP pulley is normal based on my view.

[digger]

Yeah it’s like 1mm or so, it is totally normal

[NYCDelphin]

I just refurbed my M20 and can share this photo (yes I'm running PS delete, yes I'm running AC delete). That tiny gap between the harmonic balancer and WP pulley is normal based on my view.

Damn Mike87..... you really took it up a notch eh :) i really would loooove to do that also to clean that seta motor.... maybe one day. :)
My fear is that i would not be able to reassemble it once i take it apart to pull it out.
I really like how that looks.... goals man.. goals :)
thanks for sharing !

[NYCDelphin]

Yeah it’s like 1mm or so, it is totally normal

thanks digger. 1mm is whew... smalllll..
I kept thinking if I hit a bump and they touch.. lol.
German engineering eh.. :)

[mike87]

Damn Mike87..... you really took it up a notch eh :) i really would loooove to do that also to clean that seta motor.... maybe one day. :)
My fear is that i would not be able to reassemble it once i take it apart to pull it out.
I really like how that looks.... goals man.. goals :)
thanks for sharing !

Thanks! You should, it's not as hard as it looks and reassembly is easy since the BMW diagrams and tightening torques/DIYs/repair manuals are all available online. This was only the second engine I've ever rebuilt, first one being an S50.

[McGyver]

thanks digger. 1mm is whew... smalllll..
I kept thinking if I hit a bump and they touch.. lol.
German engineering eh.. :)

If you hit a bump and they touch, you have some serious problems. The spinny parts should only be able to spin, not move in any other way.

[mike87]

If you hit a bump and they touch, you have some serious problems. The spinny parts should only be able to spin, not move in any other way.

Yeah what McGyver said. If they do touch, then your water pump is likely the culprit and should be replaced.

[digger]

the rubber on the vibration damper also can also allow things to move around if it deteriorates

[NYCDelphin]

If you hit a bump and they touch, you have some serious problems. The spinny parts should only be able to spin, not move in any other way.

got it. thanks mon.

[NYCDelphin]

Yeah what McGyver said. If they do touch, then your water pump is likely the culprit and should be replaced.

cool. its a new pump and it sits good and no play.... but will keep an eye on it.