Lets get it running!/ Hello there intro

[Resurrector27]

Hey! I want to make a introduction I guess. So I' am 20 and in college, so best that I go off and get 318i for $250 that doesn't have compression. I mean absolutely none across all 4 cylinders. If everything hasn't eaten itself and I can some how get it running. I' am going to RallyX it
It turns over and doesn't sound like the engines trying to eat itself, which I guess is a good sign. When I got it home the first thing I did was take the plugs of and put some oil in the cylinders to see if the rings or the cylinder walls might be complete garbage, but that still made no difference. Next step I wanted to see if I even had valves, By that I mean did they come in contact with the cylinders and get obliterated.
So I took off the the throttle body, intake, and what ever the last piece is that the fuel injectors are connected to. If you know the actual name for that please tell me cause I hate calling it "that thin". When I took everything off I was able to see that yes in fact I do have valves, Intake valves at least. the valves though do not close all the way so that's where my compression is going.They don't look jacked up, I' am just hoping they are not bent, but how would they have gotten bent if the timing chain is good and tight? Could the lifters have crap in them maybe the guides are gummy too, not allowing the valves to close?
Tonight I' am going back home and I will be taking the head off. Everything should be pretty clear then. I will keep you updated and i hope everything works out okay, but hey $250.

[bumada]

Just buy another motor. Super cheap like probably cheaper than throwing money at the current motor.

[Resurrector27]

I' am not going to Throw any money at it really just really want to see if I can get it running :)

[2mAn]

Yes... You must live up to your name...resurrect it

[ahlem]

Check to see if the timing chain is turning the Camshafts.
Look on the M42 section for motor info.

[RainRider]

Your going to rally it? You mean your going to beat it to death.

[mrsleeve]

Big ratchet on crank pully. Roll over my hand see if valves work is what I would do now

[Resurrector27]

The valves do move up and down, they just don't close all the way. Was not able to get the head off tonight, but did take off the cams and lifters. On visual inspection they look alright. head will be off tomorrow. and the timing chain did move the camshafts.

[Resurrector27]

So I got the head off. The intake valves did make love with the pistons. The exhaust valves didn't hit the pistons and with a visual inspection they look okay. The pistons are okay except for the little marks from the intake valves. The cylinder walls look really good almost like they got honed. I' am hoping that the guides for the intake valves are okay.
So I' am thinking that someone had this engine apart maybe replacing the head gasket or something. Then when they went and put it back together they put the intake cam in the wrong position. Who knows maybe the exhaust cam is off too, but just not enough to have hit the pistons. I mean that sucks for who ever did that. But I can not think of another way that would have happened because timing chain?
Now I need to know how how I can get the timing back in order? In the pictures you will notice that the engine is not at TDC. This is because I rushed into things and forgot to put in at TDC, but don't fret the engine hasn't moved. After I get the valves out of the head I' am going to put the head back on with the cams and put it at TDC. At least then I will have some point of reference. How can I get the cams back in the right position? Cause now even the mark I put on the cam shaft and gear is wrong.
Also If anyone has a set of intake and maybe exhaust valves they don't want or would like to sell for cheap. Shoot me an email and we could work something out. :)

P.S. How do I put pictures right in my post instead of with the attach files thing. i see it all the time and i hate shrink my photos down. Thanks

[varg]

Check the condition of all of the timing components, there are many things to go wrong. You need to find yourself an M42 service manual. Have a look around here: http://www.m42club.com/forum/index.php?board=12.0

As for aligning the cams:

See:

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showpost.php?p=2625761&postcount=5

Also, upload your pics to a hosting service and use the IMG code.

[Dirty325ix]

I think the first response to your post was the best response

You could pick up a running m42 for around 200 if you look......then you just drop the working engine in and your good to go...free to put stickers all over the window etc..

No way your going to be able to reassemble for less than a used m42, especially after new valves, maybe new guids, possibly new pistons, definitely new gaskets and once you do rebuild the engine maybe you never even fixed the original problem

[Resurrector27]

Well I'll take that as a challenge. Let's see if I can so it for under $200. I can't just get a new engine now. I'm on a mission!
Also thank a bunch varg! I was able to hunt down a Bently manual even though it's an e36 it still has a lot of m42 stuff and that timing 2x4 is awesome.
I will be disassembling tomorrow. I'll keep you updated

[Dirty325ix]

Okay...hope your time isnt worth anything and you have alot of money sitting around

[Resurrector27]

I will keep a list of how much I spend and get back to you when the car is running :)

[varg]

Okay...hope your time isnt worth anything and you have alot of money sitting around

Rude.

Well now, if all he needs is a new cylinder head then he'd be wasting his money and his time to swap the engine, huh?