BMW E39 M62 timing chain and chain guides
535i540i
E39 M62 engine ticks when warm - can the cause be the timing chain guide?
Yes. On the M62 the long timing chain guide can crack and start slapping the block when warm. Ticking can also come from low oil pressure or a connecting rod bearing, so it is worth measuring the oil pressure.
What does a broken timing chain centre guide sound like?
A scraping hiss comes from the front of the valve cover. The plastic part of the guide comes off and gets stuck between the chain and the cover. The noise remains even when the accessory belts are removed, so the fault is inside the engine.
What does replacing the centre guide involve?
The job is big: the cylinder head, water pump, pulley, belts, chain covers and intake manifold are removed. The oil pan has to be removed because of the bolts of the middle chain cover. The guide time is about 12-14 hours, and BMW special tools are needed for the camshaft timing.
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