<E36>Re:M42 Timing Chain Tensioner

[r browne <r_browne@xxxxxxxxx>]

It was posted:

>and then releasing it once installed. The problem was,that to release
the plunger that the upper timing chain cover had to beremoved so that
you could "release" the plunger by pressing the tensioner rail against
the plunger.

=============================

Brett A. responded:

Not even remotely true.  While I do advocate replacing the tensioner
rather than trying to reset it, which is usually unsuccessful, you do
not need to remove the upper timing cover.  Simply inserting a
screwdriver into the engine to press the tensioner will suffice.
Removing the upper timing cover on an M42/M44 engine is anasty job.

==========================
I respond:
  I think the author of the quoted text was probably going by one of
the only somewhat reliable repair manuals available for
do-it-yourselfers for E36's, the Haynes manual, specifically page 2A-9
of the Haynes 3-series for 1992 through 1997 models.  This section is
about total removal/replacement of the actual timing chain, so the few
paragraphs on the tensioner is actually a footnote kind of deal, and
it does specifically state, and illustrate, that the cover must be off
to release the plunger tension.   In other words, there is no specific
section on "R&R of the Timing Chain Tensioner only", if there was,
maybe they would have given us the shortcut.  Or maybe the long
awaited Bentley will provide us with that type of info on future
repairs.  The point is somewhat moot, because, as discussed, the new
style tensioner doesnt require manual release of the plunger.  

Ron Browne
Bowie, MD

PS..out of curiosity, exactly where do you insert the screwdriver into
the engine to release the tension?





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