Re: Cautious Rebuilder (archive)

There is a timing mark on the front crankshaft timing wheel (the large toothed wheel behind the pulleys) and on the engine block. With the valve cover removed, turn the crank until the engine is at #1 TDC (both valves on #1 cylinder closed). If everything is aligned properly, the mark on the crankshaft timing wheel will match up with the corresponding mark on the engine block.

Alex

Greetings. Over the past year my 1991 BMW 735iL developed a substantial head gasket leak. I was using nearly a gallon of Anti-freeze per day, most of which was dumping into my oil. I removed the valve cover and inspected the top end and noted lots of wear on the cam shaft -- so I opted to replace the head with a rebuilt one. Thanks to a posting here, I was able to locate one for $750 with a $200 cover charge. After several false starts (like finding out you have to use NEW head bolts), I was finally ready to reassemble her.

I noticed that the timing chain had moved, so I have done by best to realign the cam with the bottom end using the picture in the service manual which places the cam sprocket bolts at 12-3-6-9 clock positions and the locator pin between 6 and 9 with #1 is TDC. I then put the head on and torqued it twice. I have rotated the engine to be sure the valves aren't hitting the engine but... is there any way to be sure that I have aligned the cam and bottom end properly?

I'm about ready to hit the start button, but I'm scared to death I may have done it wrong, and by starting her I'll ruin everything.

I opted not to do anything with the bottom end (ie. rebuild). I did replace the water pump though.

So... just one questions here:

1. How do I make sure camshaft is aligned properly on the timing chain?

Thanks.

Steve

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