'91 325i Timing belt mishap?

[JeffD]

A few weeks ago I lost my timing belt. Sent head off for re-build, replaced water pump, new gasket kit, new head bolts, new belts. Using the Bently manual, I re-assymbled the engine and surprisingly had it running (very rough idle) as I was checking for leaks I found about 4 quarts of oil on the garage floor!!! I shut the engine off ASAP, now I can't find the leak.

Did I miss a major step in the rebuild or could my block be cracked?

Scratching my head in Orlando!

Jeff

 

[KC Ron Carter]

Hmm,

Check the oil service, correct as needed.

Put newspaper under the car.

Start the engine and watch for oil dripping.

A 4 quart leak is not hard to find.

I would be suspect the filter is loose or double seals are installed.

Later,

 

[JeffD]

What are double seals? and where would they be installed?

Thanks

Jeff

 

[bichmgnt]

You did put the drain plug in before filling it with oil, right? Did you remove and replace the oil filter? If the old seal stayed on the engine when you removed the old filter it would leak a lot with a new filter installed. There's also the oil pressure sending unit which I think is near the back of the engine somewhere. If this is broken or faulty it could dump a lot of oil in a short time.

You say it was running rough when you started it? Could the timing belt be off by a tooth?

Steve

 

[JeffD]

bichmgnt-

I forgot to install the 4 rubber seals on the ends of the head. No more leak. Car runs good on the road, still a rough idle. The idle is at 600 - 650 rpm, with a very slight hesitation when given gas.

Thanks for the help.

Jeff

 

[bichmgnt]

I'd check for a vacuum leak somewhere. You might also check that the spark plug wires are on securely.

Good job on getting it all back together. Hope it didn't stress out the family too much.

Steve

 

[Kirby]

Did you check the timing with a timing light after the rebuild?