Another broken rocker arm

[rover3500]

Hi everyone,I was referred here for your expertise.
I recently found out I have a broken rocker on cyl 2 in.Car done a good 20 miles like that as was away from home.
I'm not to good (and not keen on doing)this job and am on a very tight budget.

I've read in various places if it's 3rd onwards rocker broken that you can do the job without removing the head,otherwise only way is to drill holes to let rod pass thru.I'm worried about the springs,do I have to buy a tool for it?
Basically I need the cheapest way buying the least(I know it's sad but I prefer buying cheap as chips cars and just getting rid of them when they bust,but I really like this car(just really slow after my 200sx turbo))and I don't have dosh for anything else till I save up.
Also I don't want to go to the trouble and expense to find out something else bad has happened(obviously).
Any views on the probability of something else going wrong when this happens like bent valves etc?
Remember very tight budget or would just buy a leak or compression tester.

And lastly and idea on how long car would last driving it like this(i take it easy,but occasionally have to merge onto an A road).It runs like crap but is usable.I've ordered rocker arm but at a bit off a loss now whether it's worth proceeding or just running car into ground.

Apologies for the bad treatment of my Beamer it's really sad but unavoidable at the mo I'm afraid.Passed last 3 MOT's just needing 2 tyres aswell,unbelievable,and brakes last years,had them checked twice.

Thanks for any advice/help.


Edit: I almost forgot,I can't do stomp test and can't work ut from Googling if my car just doesn't do it,or there's some trick to making it display.It doesn't come up at all the light.

[MountainM30]

It runs like crap because one of the valves isn't opening. That means one cylinder is not doing any work. You run the risk of serious engine damage by driving it. The fuel from the non working cyl is probably washing that cyl and ending up in the oil diluting it and that will cause bearing damage.

Or the fuel is pooling in the intake because the intake valve isn't opening, or the exhaust isn't getting out, creating all sorts of other havoc.

If you intend on fixing, stop driving it, take the bus, get a ride, otherwise it will not be worth fixing in short order.

[slammin.e28]

First off, what model is it?

I'm guessing it's an M30 powered car by your question about the rocker arm shafts, etc.

Second, being an M30 car, and needing the thing fixed cheaply/fast, I'd probably just find a new head and throw it on there. Then, rebuild the old head and sell it, or swap it back.

Driving it with the broken rocker is NOT a good thing. To get you along for a bit, I'd unplug the fuel injector for that cylinder. Also, I'd open the valve cover up and crack that rocker off the arm. Effectively making it a 5cyl. At least then you're not causing other engine damage by diluting the oil with fuel and washing the cyl wall. Had a friend with a 528e do that when he broke a rocker. Had to drive over 200 miles the next day (moving for school). Did the above and got very good fuel mileage to boot.

[rover3500]

Thanks alot.It's a M20 Apr 1990 2.5
I have a feeling other damage has already occured as it seems to be running worse than just a cylinder being out it barely revs without slipping the clutch last time I used it and cuts out every time you take your foot off gas.
I don't have any buses or public transport where I am,and no-one to give me a lift am in country nothing for miles,I would have stopped driving straight away otherwise,I don't like doing this to any car especially a beamer that's been so good to me.
All your help has been invaluable, will unplug injector like suggested,would have done straight away but only recently realised the rocker arm was snapped.I thought it was just an ignition thing,unless it has an ignition prob aswell which is looking likely now as coil specs not right either.
Good driving all.

[slammin.e28]

This is a friend of mine who had a bent valve and did the above.

http://www.mye28.com/viewtopic.php?t=76971&highlight=

Got him about 420 miles no problemo.

If you really want to do it right, cut or break off both rockers for that cylinder and unplug the fuel injector. That way there's no issue with the moving parts or frying the cat due to unburnt fuel.

[rover3500]

slammin.e28guy
Thanks will go with your suggestion and run on 5 till get another car or get another head,as I really have a gut feeling there is something else bad wrong with engine,have been right in past about this kind of thing.Don't want a moneypit.

Last bit of advice please,will start new thread if need anymore...I've seen a couple of K reg 530i v8 going cheap,they look lovely and I've heard they're bulletproof,tho not good on fuel i suspect.Any thoughts on these,and do I avoid getting an auto box on an old BMW or are there ways of checking how much life they have left?

Thanks for all your help chaps,much appreciated.

[MountainM30]

Don't want a moneypit.

Stop looking at 20 year old BMW's then....

This problem you are having, and the situation where you can't get anywhere because of where you live tells me loud and clear, you need to be looking for Honda's and Toyota's until you can afford a BMW.