Hi guys. Ran across a deal (?) on an 110K R53 that doesn't run. Was running fine, then one day it just wouldn't start. Got spark and fuel. PO thinks the timing chain might've skipped. New to these, but reading a bit, if I verify TDC #1, the arrow on the cam sprocket should be pointing straight up? If not, retime with a new tensioner at least, huh? TIA, Ron.

 

AT TDC its pointing more towards 2 o clock. Did you get it going?

 

Thanks for the reply. Educated myself on timing issues reading other posts, but it turns out timing is the least of my problems. The PO forgot to mention he ran it out of oil! Looks like he didn't tighten the tensioner plug. A toasted head and zero compression has me looking around for a good used engine or rebuildable R53 core near the Columbus, OH area. Lesson learned I guess :(

 

I feel your pain. I just rebuilt my engine in my cooper with 47k. Poor maintenance from PO and worn out and broken timing chain guides cuased low oil pressure which toasted the rod bearings. Sad thing is I bought a used engine off CL and it had the same problem toasted rod bearings but it did run. I had to buy new used pistons and rods from http://www.allmagautoparts.com/ there good people to deal with if you need parts. If you buy a engine from private party pull the oil pan and check the bearings. Good luck.

 

Thanks, I'll probably need a bit of luck at this point.

 

Here's one might be worth checking out. http://columbus.craigslist.org/pts/5791519120.html

 

yeah, I'm already on it might have a holed piston tho. also looking for good running engines.

 

http://www.car-part.com/index.htm this will bring up junk yard with whatever part your looking for just put in your zip code

 

thx, but looks like ebay is a better bet if nothing turns up locally. Just got the bad news yesterday, and am just putting out the word around town. probably check out that core first. could be a cheap fix if I'm lucky