replacing timing chain tensioner 318is

[///M42 sport]

My valves are starting to tick pretty loud. How does one go about replacing the tensioner? Where is it located?

[Hick]

That dose not have anything to do with valve tick, thats usualy an oil supply issue.

However, to answer your question, the tensioner is very easy to replace. Stand on the pass side and follow the timing case cover [front of the motor] down the pass side. Theres an area that sticks out with a 19mm [not sure] hex on the end. The tensioners under there. Remove the cap, theres a spring under there that will suprise you, then pull it out. Take note of how the tensioner came out, ie what end is in, what end is out. Before replacing it, make sure you have a NEW crush washer and some teflon tape or calk to put on the threads. Whan your ready for that, take the new tensioner, compress it with your hands until it clicks closed. Drop it in some oil and work it open and closed. It will pick up some oil *. Compress it again until it clicks and put it in the hole followed by the spring. DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN, that it a fun part to replace.

Start up the car, it WILL make a ton of noise at first but once the oil pressue builds up it will go away.

*the tensioner works by having oil built up inside a cylinder. Its aided by a spring but regulated by oil pressure which varys with engine rpm.

[///M42 sport]

well, the oil level was at 3/4 last time I checked. I guess I'll add some. Thanks for the how to.

[nickmp0wer]

the spring is inside the tensioner. I one with a couple hundered miles on it if you want it. I put it in and thought something was wrong with it but it turns out it was just my oil.