M50 Timing Cover

[siarach]

Guys,
Had the usual catastrophe changing the CPS Sensor on my M50 engine, cracked the Timing cover!! Mega peeved off, anyway all the bits here for the job but I could do with some tech advice.
1 Can the timing cover be removed without taking the VANOS off?
2 Does anyone have a step by step guide to help me out?

Thanks Guys.
John

[whiskychaser]

1. Yes
2. Take the head off or drop the sump. Or both

Edit: Just saw where you live. Have you got a Bentleys?

[siarach]

Hi There
With a name like Whiskchaser you would be right at home up here!!

I have a bentleys but I seem to have mislaid it, I was hoping not to disturb the Head if possible, on the S/H cover I got there seems to be 3 x 5 or 6mm bolts going in to it from the head (Top)??

[whiskychaser]

For some reason, some people like to add and 'E' to my name. Thankfully, where you live that is unlikely :-)

The problem with the timing chain cover is that it is literally sandwiched between the head and the sump. It is like having a block of wood in a vice and wondering how you can remove it without backing the vice off. The other problem is that it also carries coolant. So if you don't get the joints right, it will dump coolant in your oil or to the outside. Ask me how I know :-(

Important things you should know:
There will be 3 torx bolts attaching the timing chain cover to the head (from above). Probably a dozen or so from the front
The timing chain gaskets are paper thin and a PITA to locate
Even if you take the head off, you disturb the sump gasket. Replacing that is a job in itself. Or you can wing it and put some sealant in the gap
While the cover is off, have a look at the timing chain guides and tensioners
If you take the head off, don't drop it on the tensioner arm which sticks up through the hole

As Jimmy Cricket used to say, 'And there's more' :-)

[genphreak]

Guys,
Had the usual catastrophe changing the CPS Sensor on my M50 engine, cracked the Timing cover!! Mega peeved off, anyway all the bits here for the job but I could do with some tech advice.
1 Can the timing cover be removed without taking the VANOS off?
2 Does anyone have a step by step guide to help me out?

Thanks Guys.
John

Usual catastrophe? Yikes! I've done it may times... never seen this! What happened, something slipped?

[siarach]

Usual catastrophe? Yikes! I've done it may times... never seen this! What happened, something slipped?

Was going to be a 10 min job but the Sensor was solid in its holder and I mean solid, I tried everything I knew to free it off to no avail and it sheared off taking the Timing Cover with it!
Gutted, fitted a new cover but had to drop the sump so new gasket ordered for that.

[whiskychaser]

What did you use to reseal the joint with the head gasket?

[siarach]

What did you use to reseal the joint with the head gasket?

Just good old fashioned HYLOMAR, not often I use it but it never lets me down.