Broken Oil Pump Tensioner Help!

[cobra]

Fortunately the head gasket is only sealing against oil leaks on top of the timing chain cover. So worst thing that can happen is that you get a leak. Not going to lose compression or anything like that.

I've removed mine without removing the head and have no leaks, but yes, technically you're supposed to replace the head gasket.

Two questions:
-How do I remove it? Looks like I need to pull the water pump and crank pulley/balancer. Does that require special tools?

-Is the timing cover located with dowels or can it be slid upwards into place?

Now to figure out how to do this with the oil pan off already. The engine brace is currently holding the engine up by the mounting bracket that needs to be removed.

[heinzboehmer]

Fortunately the head gasket is only sealing against oil leaks on top of the timing chain cover. So worst thing that can happen is that you get a leak. Not going to lose compression or anything like that.

I've removed mine without removing the head and have no leaks, but yes, technically you're supposed to replace the head gasket.

[Slideways]

Oh no please tell me that's not required

In this thread, the OP took the cover off without removing the head. As bigjae said, part of the headgasket is sealing the timing chain area. It might be worth a shot. If it leaks, then it needs a headgasket.

https://nam3forum.com/forums/forum/main-forum/e46-2001-2006/118926-new-to-me-m3-sparkly-oil-looking-for-impressions#post122679

[cobra]

Oh no please tell me that's not required

[bigjae46]

Hi guys,
I am doing my rod bearings right now and a very unfortunate thing happened. I pushed the oil pump chain tensioner out of the way and it slipped off my finger. It sprung back against the chain a distance of about 1" and snapped in half! That plastic is extremely brittle.

Now I am trying to figure out how to replace this thing... it appears that the timing cover has to come off because I can't slide the tensioner forward enough to get it off the pivot pin before it touches something.

Very frustrated this long job had to get even longer. Does anyone have any tips for addressing this?

I have even worse news…technically I’m pretty sure the cylinder head needs to come off to ensure the engine is leak free. Or at least BMW’s repair procedure will call for the head to come off

You can try pulling just the cover with the head on but there is a risk of a leak.


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[cobra]

Hi guys,
I am doing my rod bearings right now and a very unfortunate thing happened. I pushed the oil pump chain tensioner out of the way and it slipped off my finger. It sprung back against the chain a distance of about 1" and snapped in half! That plastic is extremely brittle.

Now I am trying to figure out how to replace this thing... it appears that the timing cover has to come off because I can't slide the tensioner forward enough to get it off the pivot pin before it touches something.

Very frustrated this long job had to get even longer. Does anyone have any tips for addressing this?