BMW TDC E30

[r0meyrome]

Im halfway done and was wondering how much slack can I expect on the timing belt? 1/4"? Also I seem to be having a hard time getting TDC. First before taking of belt car
was in TDC. I made sure using the vib dampener and cam sprocket. Now I set the new belt in and turn clockwise to make sure im tdc via cam sprocket and crank sprocket...(Small line/indent to match up to the lower housing cover. Not on the vib dampener) But when I installed the lower timing cover and vib dampener im about 1-1.2 mm of TDC. So I turned agained and got the crank TDC as well as the Cam. So what gives? Should I be worried?

[a]

Look at Rod Paines site for a good TB write up with pics.

[mitch]

Im halfway done and was wondering how much slack can I expect on the timing belt? 1/4"?

What exactly do you mean by 1/4" slack? Are you able to see slack when turning the crankshaft either way? If so, you have a problem...everything should be TIGHT.

Also I seem to be having a hard time getting TDC. First before taking of belt car
was in TDC. I made sure using the vib dampener and cam sprocket. Now I set the new belt in and turn clockwise to make sure im tdc via cam sprocket and crank sprocket...(Small line/indent to match up to the lower housing cover. Not on the vib dampener) But when I installed the lower timing cover and vib dampener im about 1-1.2 mm of TDC. So I turned agained and got the crank TDC as well as the Cam. So what gives? Should I be worried?

I don't remember being able to see the crankshaft TDC mark once I installed the lower timing cover, so I'm having difficulty picturing what you're saying. However, if you turn the crankshaft twice and BOTH markings are EXACTLY on, you should be good. If you want to be dead sure turn it another two turns. My guess is that the belt teeth weren't seated correctly on the crankshaft when you got the 1-1.2mm difference the first time.

[r0meyrome]

arright basically there's another TDC mark on the crank sprocket and lower timing housing (not the cover) its a small indent showing where TDC is at (Crank sprocket and Indent on the housing).

But when I installed the lower cover the line on the cover and the vibration dampener didnt match.

here are picturess

[turbodan]

Dont worry about the vibration damper markings. As long as the crank hub and case marks were aligned its all good. As far as belt tension, it sets itself if you do the procedure correctly.

[r0meyrome]

yeah belt is straight when making the revolutions i did about 4-6 complete turns to TDC and it always at TDC. Im just worried because when I first installed the vib dampener it was not completely on the TDC mark according to the lower timing cover.

[mitch]

yeah belt is straight when making the revolutions i did about 4-6 complete turns to TDC and it always at TDC. Im just worried because when I first installed the vib dampener it was not completely on the TDC mark according to the lower timing cover.

I get what you're saying now...once the belt is on it's ok if it moves a little from TDC, since both the crankshaft and camshaft will now move together. I got all neurotic about the damn thing moving while I installed the vibration dampener too, but it's fine.

Since you did 4-6 turns and it's lined up perfectly every second spin, you're good to go. Button it all back up and crank the engine with confidence. I understand the hesitation considering the possible outcomes if it's done correctly, but from what you're saying everything is lined up.

[r0meyrome]

whew! I did everything according to the book and diy forums and im still like WTF! Thanks! God I love this place. Fast response than any other forums!!