Re: E28 Timing and Unleaded conversion

["James Knott" <jpjk@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I have an E28 M535i which decided to drop a valve through the top of a
piston, unfortunately destroying the cylinder head in the process!

I decided that my best option was to obtain a second hand complete cylinder
head which I have done as my old camshaft and some rockers were also badly
worn. My first problem is that I can find no timing marks on the camshaft or
head to indicate TDC of no 1 cylinder. When I dismantled the engine (in car)
I tied the camshaft sprocket and timing chain out of the way without moving
it so that I could replace it in the same position with out retiming.

The new millenium in the UK will bring the demise of Leaded fuel and
therefore as I have the head stripped down, this would seem to be an ideal
time to go for an unleaded conversion. I have been told that I would need to
advance the timing by a few degrees.

Therefore my main concerns are how do I re-time the engine on reassembly and
how do I advance it a few degrees if I go for a conversion.

Thanks for your time

James
jpjk@domain.elided
86 M535i

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