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[David Regan]

I checked the valve gaps one last time and it was good – still had the knocking so I had to flatbed the car to our mechanic this afternoon. He called soon after and said it was a problem with the axle! He called me an hour later and said it was done for $220.

He said it was a coincidence that I was working on the VTC Actuator and valve gapping at the same time the axle went bad. Total expense for the VTC Actuator repair= $180. This was a good leason – when in doubt get help 🙂 I saved $500 over dealer cost, which will enable me to replace the upper timing cover gaskets on my other car – an old BMW 745Li. :cheer:

Thanks for the support College Man!

[David Regan]

So, more bits of information:

1. New spark plugs installed 20 minutes ago – the old ones were just that – old (110,000 mi). It still knocks on acceleration, but less. Driving with windows open and during the acceleration/knocking, it sounds like detonation – you may be right – maybe valve adjustment is poor.

2. With the car in park, I can acceleration engine to almost redline with zero knocks, which is encouraging.

3. I am waiting for the car to cool to do the valve clearances again.

Thanks for your help college man!

[David Regan]

It can’t hurt to check valve adjustments again. I’ll do that tonight. Thanks College Man

[David Regan]

College Man,

Thanks for your reply. I understand what you are referencing with the black chain links, but I believe the timing is aligned correctly by the timing marks on the crank+exhaust+cam(VTC Actuator) gears. My understanding is that the black links are a guide/reference to the installer to help ensure correct placement of the chain, and all the timing marks i.e. A way to double check the alignment of timing.

The last photo in my attached “repair” log shows the current alignment of the gears, which are on the money.

At this point, the engine runs perfectly at idle and to about 2,000 rpm’s. At 2,000 rpm’s, the engine starts thumping like a flat tire, but much quieter after returning to lower rpm’s. I believe it may some bent valves in one or two of the cylinders.

I dread putting the car on a flatbed and shipping it to the mechanic, but that time is maybe coming closer.

Thanks for your input. I did look at the video you gave me. A very good explanation.

Regards,

Dave

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