Hello all. My `82 320i made classic timing chain rattle on deceleration. I just replaced the chain, guides, and tensioner and the problem persists. Any suggestions on where to look next? The car starts and runs well, 135K on the odometer. Many thanks. Seth
Is your tensioner hydraulic(oil pressure) or spring? If it is hydraulic, it may take a while for it to fill up and build pressure/tension.
The tensioner is spring-driven. I've replaced the spring, and even tried shimming it for a little extra push and the noise persists. The problem is barely noticeable when the engine is cold and gets worse when the engine is warm. It's also worse when the weather is warmer. PS-You have impeccable tasted in bikes. I rode an R60/5 and an R90S in an earlier life. Seth
Thanks. I love the bike. It is exactly what I wanted and expected. Its my first bike. I bought it from a buddy who upsized to a K1200LT. The configuration with the trunk off and bags on is perfect to lay my hockey bag across so I can ride to games. Not many bikes can do that. With all the parts you have replaced, are you certain it is the chain? I cant think of better candidate since your condition seems like classic chain rattle, but maybe its time to think outside the box. Have you listened to it with a stethoscope?
You can't beat the practicality and versatility of the R-bikes. I could carry four bags of groceries in my Krauser bags. The preference for mechanically simple machines is what drew me to the R-bikes and the E-21. As for the rattle, I don't think it's the timing chain, but I don't know what else that would make a similar sound. It's definitely coming from the engine. I recently tightened the alternator belt and that helped some, so now, I'm thinking alternator. (I replaced the water pump when I did the timing chain.) I'll check that out next. I hadn't thought about listening more closely as the sound only occurs when the car's in motion, and I can't run that fast. B;-) Seth
I would expect the chain to make noise as the RPM's drop while reving the engine in the garage. You can run the engine for a minute with the belt off, maybe try that to diagnose if its is belt drive related. Next time it is making the noise try turning or braking hard to see if you can get the noise to change.
