After some initial reluctance due to the chilly weather, and a bit of friendly prodding from Greg in Australia (where it is summer, btw) I decided to 'bite the bullet', and begin the timing belt change on my 1982 323i Baur this afternoon. I ordered the parts a few weeks ago with the intention of using it as a winter project. I actually plan on doing TWO timing belt projects this winter: the Baur and my 1991 325ix. I did the Baur timing belt when I first bought it in 2010 (actually winter of 2010-11) because the odometer was broken, and it said that it had been done at 231,000. The odometer has been stuck at 242,000 since I bought it (and long before that!), so I am am just going on the elapsed time (approximately 4 years), rather than the mileage guidance. The rule of thumb for the M20 timing belt service (depending on who you ask) is 4 years or 50,000 miles. I am at the '4 years' point, and, since it is a daily driver, I am probably not far from the 50K either. I love this car so I will not wait any longer!
So, Step I: be prepared! It is a little chilly outside, so I want to dress for the occasion! I brought out my good friend: Long Johns Silver!
Yeah, you heard that right! Meet my friend, Long Johns Silver! An invaluable friend when you have to work outside in the winter weather. Accept no substitutes! ;)
N.B. I was very comfortable all afternoon, despite the fact that the temperature actually dropped into the 20's.
OK, now to the work at hand. I followed the standard procedure.
NUMERO UNO: Stay safe! Here is my set up: the front end is up on steel ramps. In the unlikely event that those steel ramps collapse, I have inserted a redundant safety system of 3 ton steel jackstands under the front end. Rear wheels are chocked with 4 x4 wood blocks. Emergency brake is set. I have rocked the hell out of this set up: there is no way it is coming down on me. I can roll under it in complete confidence.
Sidenote: I accepted a delivery for our neighbor today, who was not at home when Fedex delivered it. When she came to collect her package, I was under the Baur on a creeper, preparing to remove the damper. She was very surprised to find me there and asked: "Isn't that dangerous?" 'Yes, it is", I said, "but I have taken proper precautions." ;)
And here they are... I NEVER get tired of reiterating how important it is to be safe! Use redundant safety systems, boys and girls!
Rear wheels are chocked with 4 x 4s, and the emergency brake is set.
Driver's wheel on a steel ramp with a 3 ton jack stand as a backup.
Passenger's wheel is also on a steel ramp with a 3 ton jack stand as a backup.
Steel rim under the chassis as a further safety backup. If the ramp collapses and the steel jackstand fails, the car will fall on this rim, giving me a an escape route, in a worst case scenario. Always do this.
This is my stopping point today: cooling system drained, radiator removed along with all hoses; timing belt covers removed; timing set at TDC. Ready to remove and replace belt.
Rear wheels are chocked with 4 x 4s, and the emergency brake is set.
Driver's wheel on a steel ramp with a 3 ton jack stand as a backup.
Passenger's wheel is also on a steel ramp with a 3 ton jack stand as a backup.
Steel rim under the chassis as a further safety backup. If the ramp collapses and the steel jackstand fails, the car will fall on this rim, giving me a an escape route, in a worst case scenario. Always do this.
Belt is ready to come off. I put the lower belt cover back on, along with the damper, just to make sure I have the timing marks correctly aligned.To be continued! N.B. this is a 323i M20. (M20b23). It is different from the M20b25, particularly in regard to the placement of the distributor. Stay tuned for updates! This is my weekend project... and .... if I have time..... I hope to do the timing belt on my 1991 325ix also! Although..... it has actually seen very little mileage since I bought it. So, if worse come to worst..... I may put that off until next summer! ;)
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