Ticking noise? (1991 318i)

[HeyIGotABimmer]

Hi There,

Can you identify this ticking noise? I believe the timing parts to be original (172,000 miles), so I'm HOPING it's just the chain tensioner, but worried it will need a complete timing overhaul. I realize there are a bunch of threads about this, although I have yet to see a good video so hopefully that helps those that view this thread with the same issue :)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zV-Smx4S74g

Symptoms:

• Ticking at idle
• Ticking increases with RPMs.
• Seems to disappear as you get up in the rev range although the exhaust noise may being overpower that.

Thanks for your help guys,
Henry

RESOLVED: See post #7

[Uber E30]

All those components are plastic and degrade over time. If you're already willing to take the case off and buy the two expensive bits (tensioner and rail) then you should replace the other parts there too. Would be rather stupid to have the engine grenade on you over an additional $150 worth of parts.

[HeyIGotABimmer]

All those components are plastic and degrade over time. If you're already willing to take the case off and buy the two expensive bits (tensioner and rail) then you should replace the other parts there too. Would be rather stupid to have the engine grenade on you over an additional $150 worth of parts.

If I were to need to replace any of the internal timing parts, it would be everything. In this case I'm hoping it's just the chain tensioner (not the guide) which requires removal of a 19mm bolt and you're done.

Chain tensioner is on order.

[oldmann]

That is the, it sounds like a diesel noise, chain tensioner replacement may take care of it. Open your oil cap, if you can see your timing chain, upper guide is gone, time to replace all the timing components.

And get rid of that cone filter, stock box is better than that thing sucking up all the underhood heat.

[Uber E30]

If I were to need to replace any of the internal timing parts, it would be everything. In this case I'm hoping it's just the chain tensioner (not the guide) which requires removal of a 19mm bolt and you're done.

Chain tensioner is on order.

Good luck with that. You are leaving a 25 year old plastic part thats pushed up against a metal chain with a pretty good amount of force. How long until that breaks and destroys your entire engine? Your tensioner ticking is a good indicator that the parts are failing, your rail isnt going to give you a warning noise.

[HeyIGotABimmer]

That is the, it sounds like a diesel noise, chain tensioner replacement may take care of it. Open your oil cap, if you can see your timing chain, upper guide is gone, time to replace all the timing components.

Good idea. Just popped off the cap - upper guide looks good from what I could see.

And get rid of that cone filter, stock box is better than that thing sucking up all the underhood heat.

It came on the car, stock box is in the trunk and will be put on tomorrow :)

[HeyIGotABimmer]

Update: RESOLVED. Timing Chain Tensioner did the trick. Below is a video for comparison. Hopefully this helps others lurking the forum with the same issue.

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

[Josh1254]

If you keep up on changing the tensioner your timing components will last awhile. I would plan to do the guides and such in the future though.