noob here couple questions

[timofeylbelarus]

ok so i finally got my m42 running,and it runs good but there is a weird noise that sounds like a bolt rattling around somewhere in the front and after alot of searching and reading my guess is that its the timing chain tensioner?

second question: the temp gauge goes up 1/4 way and just sits there is that normal? because ive read somewhere that many m42 do that,

third question: the mess under the intake, if everyone takes all of that crap out then what was the point of bmw putting it there? im just confused about that.

[yert315]

1.) It is probably one or some of your timing components. Take the front apart and inspect. Or there is a bolt in there
2.) It should sit around the 1/2 mark. You probably need a new thermostat.
3.) Germany is a cold place. They may have needed that system to operate properly in the winters. If you live in a warmer climate, that "mess" is not needed. REMOVE IT NOW!

[ttrousdell]

Where your needle normally rests on the coolant sensor is based on the type of thermostat you have. ex. 80C 88C. The mess under the intake is mostly vital stuff. sensors, wire harness, coolant lines so most of it can't be deleted. The only thing I can really think of is the coolant lines to the TB(assuming m42 has then since my experiences are with m20).

[timofeylbelarus]

thanks yert315 that helps alot i guess ill need a new thermostat and tensioner

[Reap3r]

thanks yert315 that helps alot i guess ill need a new thermostat and tensioner

Make sure you check the guides for wear at the same time as the tensioner. A lot of timing failures are due to worn guides wearing through & exploding.

[timofeylbelarus]

like these guides?

[timofeylbelarus]

opps never mind those arent guides, now i know what guides are lol

[timofeylbelarus]

how can i tell if the tensioner is bad or not?

[bmwm42]

that is a guide in the pic and if those are your cam gears they arent that bad

[timofeylbelarus]

yeah thats what i thought too, the gears arent sharp, so i thought that everything else should be fine in the timing case, maybe the rattling noise is coming from the a/c compressor.

[bmwm42]

replace the timing chain tension without question if you dont and keep it you will fuck up your engine with all the chain slapping and shit it is making now spend the 50 bucks and do your engine a favor

[timofeylbelarus]

ok i ordered new guides, tensioner, crankshaft sprocket and crankshaft seal:)
this stuff is so expensive tho