Diy timing chain

[djkaosone]

My last worry is the passage in the service manual that states something along the lines of, if the crank keyway is located at 9:00 when at TDC, then replace the flexplate.... That would completely be my luck.

It too was my fear. The flexplate and seal is just that, not sure why it has to be replaced if its at 9:00. Another vague workshop interpretation on don't mess up.

 

[ktm525]

How much heartache and apprehension could this tip help avoid??!!

I removed my oil cap and had a look. Yup I can see the chain and it looks nice and clean, so far so good. How do you fit a finger in there to push on your chain? Pencil fingers? lol. There is very little space between the oil suction straw and the edges to wedge a finger in there.

 

[Huy Tran]

After walnut blasting without the proper tools.

View attachment 9047

djkaosone, Thank You for all the great information. Lots of good reference so I can start tackling my timing chain. Also, you should start a "How To" for cleaning the valves. Mine are in desperate need of some attention (2010 105K).

 

[cperez]

How do you fit a finger in there to push on your chain?

I wondered the same thing.

 

[djkaosone]

How do you fit a finger in there to push on your chain?

I was barely able to fit a finger between the pipe and the chain side to push down, but I used a tool similar to a dental scraper to pull it up. I suppose you can use a pen or principle too. Yeah, I have small hands.

Also, you should start a "How To" for cleaning the valves.

Here's a quick video of me doing one of the cylinders #8.

Before picture.

After picture with the correct tools.

 

[doc5339]

I was barely able to fit a finger between the pipe and the chain side to push down, but I used a tool similar to a dental scraper to pull it up. I suppose you can use a pen or principle too. Yeah, I have small hands.



Here's a quick video of me doing one of the cylinders #8.

Before picture.
View attachment 9062

After picture with the correct tools.
View attachment 9063

Where did you acquire the "correct tools?" I have only seen the 3-D printed nozzle adapter for the BMW straight-6 intake valves online. I have also seen another video where the guys purchased the 3-D printed BMW kit, it broke and he finished with an old radiator hose bent to fit inside the intake valves; he drilled a hole in the hose for the walnut shell blaster and air nozzle and had the hose connected to a shop vac.

 

[djkaosone]

Where did you acquire the "correct tools?"

I bought this from ECStuning.com they're meant for the Mini, but are widely used for all German vehicles.

Extraction Adapter ES#2166079
Tool for the carbon blaster & Walnut blasting / De Coke
81292208038

Strahlsonde MINI ES#2166078
Blasting Wand for Extraction adapter : Tool for the carbon blaster & Walnut blasting / De Coke
81292208032

I used this siphon sand blaster. Its good enough for me that it never clogged. I had to modify it to fit the blasting wand by removing the blasting tip, placed a 1/4" socket size 5/16 in place of the blasting tip, removed the compression nut from the wand, placed the wand o-ring on the wand to reuse the blaster's compression nut, and assembled it all together. Works perfectly.

Sand Blaster with 10 Foot Hose,... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0007D30DO?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

I also used Harbor Freight Fine Walnut blasting media. They have 2 types, make sure it's the fine one.

I'll get a picture of everything in a bit.

 

[djkaosone]

Here's what the modified sand blaster with the wand taken apart with the 5/16 1/4" socket.

Here's my entire kit setup for walnut blasting.

 

[doc5339]

Thanks for the details and links!

 

[Huy Tran]

Would someone who's done new tensioner and chain be able to post a video of the chains test through the oil filler? That way we can have a baseline of what a good timing chain movement should be.
In the same token, if someone with a know bad chain can do the same test and video too? That would be great.