Hi, folks. Does anyone have a link to a good R53 timing chain replacement video? ModMini doesn't have a specific video for this repair and I've been unable to find a good one from another source. Thanks.

 

Don’t have a link but I have seen it in Bentley

 

This was all I could find.

 

I do have a Bentley manual but my brain responds to video better, plus someone who's done it before usually has a useful tip or two. Thanks for the help!

 

Here is one a watched a little while ago, I haven't done the job yet just wanted to see how it goes:

 

Thanks, tej98. I've actually watched that one but the constant instruction she's receiving from off-camera is a bit irritating, and the pace is really slow. I don't know why ModMini hasn't produced a video of this repair since he appears to have covered most other necessities and this particular repair is needed by just about every Gen1 owner. Still, every bit of prior experience helps so thanks again.

 

I noted the same thing, to my disappointment. Guess he hasn't had the chance to break absolutely everything on a Gen 1 yet...but then, neither have we!

He does cover removal of the valve cover and installation of the cam sprocket lock tool in and, separately, the one on All that would be left would be removal and reinstallation of the crank sprocket and timing cover, and alignment of the sprocket and chain. Re-install of the chain is partially covered in Of course in that vid, the engine is conveniently out of the car...

I plan to use these along with trusty Uncle Bentley to cure my R53's death rattle if the tensioner I have on order doesn't fix the problem. Will watch this thread in the mean time in case anyone else posts more useful info.

 

^those 3 vids + Bentley helped me a lot when I replaced the chain on mine. Hardest part for me was driving the new crank sprocket in place. Didn't heat it enough beforehand I guess.

BTW, in the Bentley manual the location of the s/c belt idler pulley is wrong. Just take note of the location when taking it off, and you'll have a lot less trouble putting the belt back on...

 

This is a good site for info also or specs. As well as the Bentley.

https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/

 

Have to agree with you both... not alot of solid, identifiable videos or tutorials.

I'm currently doing mine now that the engine is out of the car due to the Clutch.
I've come across conflicting points between an Original Mini Manual ( North America) saying don't use Copper Links with the Camshaft sprocket as identifiers and a Bentley Manual saying you need to use them.
General consensus is use the Chain links as the guide to aligning the sprockets.
It appears my timing chain has jumped a tooth and if re-aligned, all the Links, Arrow markers and Cast marks should all align.....FINGERS CROSSED.

Crankshaft sprocket 2 x arrows should land on the 2 x darker chain links ( copper colour) and Crank sprocket arrows should align with the horizontal cast mark on the block - see attachment below.

Am I 1xtooth out - looks like it according to the Bentley Manual.

According to the BMW Mini Manual, you shouldnt use the copper markers as aligning indicators.... go figure,

Crankshaft sprocket markers - in line with Copper Timing chain links. Ideally, the upper arrow should be right in line with the horizontal casting mark on the block....so it seems according to one of the Youtube videos


Broken timing chain guide... no pieces in sump however they were right behind timing chain cover.... little buggers

 

Not sure about the purpose of lining the upper arrow with the casting mark... but yeah, the copper links should align with the arrows on the sprockets. Although on my new chain (OEM) the copper links were replaced with painted bits.

 

The value in the casting mark relates to when the camshaft reaches 12 o clock you should be placed on that mark...whether intentional or purely coincidental.

Im trying to figure out how to lock the cam so i can reassemble it without losing its position...my cam locking kit comes with a tensioning tool however no instructions. The other bracket to support the engine is of little use as I've already removed the engine.