How To Check Timing On A BMW N20 N26 Engine With Tips On Common Mistakes To Watch Out For

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How To Check Timing On A BMW N20 N26 Engine With Tips On Common Mistakes To Watch Out For

Рет қаралды 37,246

Күн бұрын

In this video I will show you how to check timing on a BMW N20 N26 Engine. I go over the full procedure step by step and show some tips and tricks plus some other items to watch out for to prevent damage. If you have VANOS faults and the engine is not running correctly you should check your timing. This procedure is also needed when replacing the VANOS units or VANOS bolts central valves. How to check timing on a BMW N20 N26 4 cylinder Engine.
Upcoming videos will include removal of the central valves and vanos units. Please Subscribe, Share and Like!
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Пікірлер: 88

@DIY.11.11 5 ай бұрын

I used your videos to replace the timing chain 1+ year ago on my BMW X1. I did not replace the oil pump/ tensioner. The car has been running super smooth with absolutely no issues. Thanks for his great videos

@AskTheCarExperts 5 ай бұрын

That is awesome! Thanks for posting!

@Joeylucio22 29 күн бұрын

Awesome video thanks for pointing out barcode position for the cams very informative and professional

@AskTheCarExperts 29 күн бұрын

@Joeylucio22 Thanks Joey!

@thomase.piggott7383 7 ай бұрын

great video a lot of good information 1:19

@AskTheCarExperts 7 ай бұрын

Glad it was helpful Thomas!

@scottcrawford4148 2 жыл бұрын

I got the kit. And, I had to order a stubby torx socket set to help me remove the vacuum pump.

@scottcrawford4148 2 жыл бұрын

Per your recommendation, I used a bore scope to find the TDC hole in the flexplate. Great tip!

@AskTheCarExperts 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome Scott! That really is the best way so you be sure you have the correct TDC location. No fun having to take it apart to time it again a second time 😀

@fongfuning3564 Жыл бұрын

Very very useful video. Yours more details then the others. Thanks for that. Is there any specific procedure if just replacing the chain tensioner? Keep making more videos.👍

@AskTheCarExperts Жыл бұрын

Thanks Fong! The chain tensioner would not need any special procedure to replace. They can be a bit of a pain due to the fine threads and spring in the tensioner.

@mosm5741 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing information ❤

@AskTheCarExperts Жыл бұрын

Your welcome 😀

@jose420g 8 ай бұрын

Good video, wanted to see if you have a video on replacing just the exhaust side oil control valve ( central valve bolt) not the vanos unit on the same n20 engine as this video

@AskTheCarExperts 8 ай бұрын

Hello Jose, I actually do have a video on that topic. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/lcd_lbqGyMuWdac.html

@Fbo_328 2 жыл бұрын

Very helpful!!!

@AskTheCarExperts 2 жыл бұрын

Great to hear Audria!

@musclefactory9181 4 ай бұрын

Incredible video. Thank you

@AskTheCarExperts 4 ай бұрын

Hope it helped!

@MarioDallaRiva 2 жыл бұрын

Sweet! Super content, Roger 👏🏻 I need to watch a few times, lots of great tips. Imagine how much Zion knows about the N20 engine 🐶 That timing kit looks like a great deal. I always worry about the quality of these “bargain” kits especially their accuracy. Do you go by word of mouth or even reviews when choosing a kit? And that wheelbarrow…limited slip diff on that sucker??

@AskTheCarExperts 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Mario! Going to pull the VANOS units out today and correct the timing. Maybe Zion can do the next video and I can hold the camera 😂 I was not sure about the timing kit when I purchases it but it had all the tools I am familiar with for multiple repairs so it made sense. It seems pretty robust and the tolerance is correct so it should be a one time purchase. I was talking with my friend that I should try to find one that needs a timing chain so I can repair it, video it, and flip it. Maybe one day. LOL the wheel barrel is so convenient right now. Going to need to switch to a boring engine stand soon so I can open up the bottom end. 😉

@MarioDallaRiva 2 жыл бұрын

@@AskTheCarExperts Dude - modify the wheel barrow! Could be new product to market 😁 Hurry with the next video … Just bought new runflats for wife’s X1. Damn pricey Pirellis. Summer set. Still sporting original Goodyears since new 2011. Low mileage only 50,000kms. Last year Nokian full winter boots.

@AskTheCarExperts 2 жыл бұрын

LOL I need to before someone steals the idea! I did take your advice and asked Zion if he wants to learn about the N20 engine in the next video Sat at 8 am :) Pirellis are a good tire over all. I have seen some scalloping on Goodyear causing some noise over time but you got some great life out of your tires. The full sporty drivers I see go through tires about every 10K!

@peterpeugeotsaab 7 ай бұрын

Beautiful dog just like the one i had twenty years ago.

@AskTheCarExperts 7 ай бұрын

Thank you Peter, Zion is 6 years old now and still healthy thankfully. He is the best dog ever :)

@estacademy 2 жыл бұрын

You are brilliant

@AskTheCarExperts 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Sasa, I try to share as much information as I can. Not everyone wants to just pay someone else to fix there car, so why not share the knowledge! Thanks for posting!

@jamshidhemati9817 Жыл бұрын

Hi, thank you so much for your help and your video. I have 2011 BMW 528i and 6 cylinder. Your video is four-cylinder, and turbo the tools is the same and instruction is same to or is different

@AskTheCarExperts Жыл бұрын

The procedure is almost identical. On your N52 you will need a different set of timing tools but the general procedure is the same. Your vanos bolts are one time use however and should not be reused

@ricardogallegos4107 Жыл бұрын

I have a 2013 bmw 528i my timing chain is loose the plastic broke iam in los angeles

@blktab1 Жыл бұрын

Mine too

@brandonshaw5976 Жыл бұрын

I think if you have a SULEV car you may be eligible for reimbursement under an N20 class action lawsuit, FYI

@AskTheCarExperts 8 ай бұрын

Sorry to hear that. The timing chain, guide and sprocket should be replaced if the guides are broken.

@AskTheCarExperts 8 ай бұрын

Hi Brandon, The Class action is over unfortunately. The N20 is not a sulev you would need to have the N26 for it to be SULEV.

@abbasbarzegar1241 Жыл бұрын

Great 👍

@scottcrawford4148 2 жыл бұрын

Is there a follow-up video about fixing this slipped timing?

@AskTheCarExperts 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Scott, I definitely will be doing more videos on the N20 but I need to clear out my E46

@musclefactory9181 4 ай бұрын

Great details 👍🏼

@AskTheCarExperts 4 ай бұрын

Thanks! 👍

@n54_GOAT Жыл бұрын

I did both timing chain and oil chain replacement but my counterbalance alignment is off when timing is spot on at tdc. Is there a way to easily fix the counterbalance or will I have to remove crankshaft bolt to adjust counterbalance position?

@AskTheCarExperts Жыл бұрын

Hi Neal, I have not rum into that problem. Let me look into it and I will try to get back to you by the end of the day tomorrow.

@n54_GOAT Жыл бұрын

@@AskTheCarExperts I figured it out. Just have to loosen the crankbolt again, take tension off oil pump chain, and then rotate the oil chain via the lower bolt until the hole in the counterbalance is visible, then put alignment tool in, and replace Crankcase bolt and tighten.

@AskTheCarExperts Жыл бұрын

@@n54_GOAT Excellent. Keep in mind the crank bolt is a one time use bolt. If you already torqued and torque angled the bolt you should replace it. Bad things happen if the crank bolt backs out. BMWs are not keyed.

@n54_GOAT Жыл бұрын

@@AskTheCarExperts yes, new bolt ordered.

@DIY.11.11 Жыл бұрын

Hello, thanks for the great videos and advice. I have used this information to do my BMW X1 2014 X28 i timing chain. At this point I am ready to remove the crank shaft bolt to complete the job. Can any one advise if is mandatory to replace the oil pump/ balance shaft ? Thanks in advance fir advice

@AskTheCarExperts Жыл бұрын

Hello, That is great! The oil pump and balance shaft do not need to be replaced. Just the sprocket for the chain due to wear. Make sure you torque the crank bolt correctly. If it loosens your engine can jump time and valves impact.

@DIY.11.11 Жыл бұрын

@@AskTheCarExperts really appreciate your expertise and the videos. I couldn’t have done the job without them. I did torque the crack bolt to 70 ft/lbs + 270 degrees using a bolt breaker bar with a long pipe extension. It took great effort but it worked. Thank you !

@AskTheCarExperts Жыл бұрын

@@DIY.11.11 Excellent! That is the most common mistake that can be costly.

@DIY.11.11 Жыл бұрын

@@AskTheCarExpertstook the car for a run yesterday and it feels great. But I now have one code for fuel air mixture to lean. I will check intake for leaks, valve cover gasket, MAFS. If no luck 🍀 I may need your advice :)

@DIY.11.11 Жыл бұрын

Hello, Ever since I replaced the timing chain I have some issues with codes 2BC0- 2BC01 fuel air mixture too lean. I cleaned the entire intake, used the Mass air flow cleaner and made sure no leaks there. The valve cover has no leaks and no oil is leaking. I did however noticed some oil dripping from the connector to the 2 vacuum hoses that attach to the side on the top engine cover. I have a scan tool and have not reset any adaptations I’m not sure if I should do that. Appreciate advice and thanks in advance.

@IMPREZAX06 2 жыл бұрын

Nice video have you done a head gasket on the n20

@AskTheCarExperts 2 жыл бұрын

Hello, I have not yet done a head gasket. Normally when this engine fails it is pretty catastrophic and they require engine replacement. I have not had just a head gasket fail yet. Did you run into a head gasket failure? A lot of times the oil and coolant mixing is from the oil filter housing.

@IMPREZAX06 2 жыл бұрын

@@AskTheCarExperts unfortunately I Jammed up the spark plugs threads on cylinder 2. So Im pulling the head of and sending it to the the machine shop. My car has 116k so also doing everything I should do like chains

@govindkrishna9282 Жыл бұрын

Any advise how to take the Eccentric shaft stopper bolt fell into the chain housing or oil pan.

@AskTheCarExperts Жыл бұрын

Wow, Sorry to hear that! With the VANOS units out you may be able to fish it out with a magnet but in most cases the oil pan would need to be removed to recover the bolt.

@sacred7607 6 ай бұрын

My top end appears to be in tdc but the flywheel pin is about a half inch from going in the hole. What do i do? I also have the cam lock tool already installed, sprockets removed..

@AskTheCarExperts 6 ай бұрын

This could indicate that your timing is out. You would need to pin the TDC in place. Make sure the piston is at TDC and then loosen the cam bolts and move the camshaft into the correct position to correct the timing.

@Man-Up-G 8 ай бұрын

2:04 The “Central bolt” (to be tightened) that you’re referring to, is that the crank bolt or vanos bolts?

@AskTheCarExperts 8 ай бұрын

Hey bud, That tool would be to hold the transmission in place so you can tighten the Crank Bolt but it also can be used to keep the engine for turning when tightening the VANOS bolts up top.

@Man-Up-G 8 ай бұрын

@@AskTheCarExperts understood, thanks man. My timing tool kit did not come with that piece but I’m only changing Exhaust Vanos unit, will cam holder/timing rig suffice in order to just torque the new exhaust Vanos unit? The plan is to swap out guides along with timing chain, but using the actual BMW service manual method which is to open links in timing chain in order to install instead of from oil pan. It is an X-drive and the customer does not want the additional labor.

@AskTheCarExperts 8 ай бұрын

I have heard of the link method but BMW never went that way in a dealer setting. For your question, yes the timing tools should be sufficient along with the TDC pin to hold everything just to do the VANOS unit. The crank central bolt is a lot of torque angle and it can bend the tool and the TDC pin. Not fun when that happens! If you are looking for a good smoke machine make sure to enter my give away on this video - kzfaq.info/get/bejne/qbt4n6Vns7nGnoE.html

@Man-Up-G 8 ай бұрын

@@AskTheCarExperts Lol yeah I’m pretty sure nobody used the chain-link method even though it’s in BMW service manual lol. I’ve never timed an N20 so I figured I’d ask someone that had experience with them. Thanks brother God bless.

@AskTheCarExperts 8 ай бұрын

God Bless and have a great Christmas!

@glennwheat50 9 ай бұрын

I have a 2012 bmw 328i id let ya use for demonstration if ya fix it in the process it need that vvt pump valve cover gasket leaks wont run good at all

@user-ix2on1qh7s 10 ай бұрын

I followed your instructions. I rotated the engine after timing. Everything lined up perfectly. No codes. Now car won't start

@AskTheCarExperts 10 ай бұрын

Sorry to hear that. The reason your vehicle does not start would not be due to the timing procedure which is correct. You may have missed a step or there is another issue you need to diagnose still.

@jamshidhemati9817 Жыл бұрын

I think my BMW is F10 did you know F 10 and N 20 and 26 is the same or different?

@AskTheCarExperts Жыл бұрын

Hello, The N20 and N26 engines are very similar.

@johannesmasekana9968 Жыл бұрын

How can I get the complete timing tool?

@AskTheCarExperts Жыл бұрын

I purchased mine off of Amazon. I have a link in the video description.

@jstewworld330 11 ай бұрын

I have car in tdc with locking tool but when I install cam locking tool only one cam will lock into place driver side cam is off a quarter turn what now !!!!! Please help

@AskTheCarExperts 11 ай бұрын

I would first verify that you are in the correct hole. If you are then you loosen the vabis bolt and turn the cam with a wrench to correct timing.

@jstewworld330 11 ай бұрын

@@AskTheCarExperts so if in tdc and cams are off then un torque vanos with out cam locking tool obviously then manually position cams in time then lock down cams and can I only rotate to the right ?

@Scalykams 10 ай бұрын

I would be interested to know the answer to this.

@LuisRodriguez-ft7rv 2 жыл бұрын

Why the breaks of my mini cooper s 2006 R53 are so hard

@AskTheCarExperts 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Luis, Is the pedal hard when your braking or you have poor stopping performance?

@LuisRodriguez-ft7rv 2 жыл бұрын

Could it be a vacum line?

@AskTheCarExperts 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Luis, a hard brake pedal can be caused by an air leak, loss of engine vacuum, failed vacuum pump, or failed brake booster.

@slow.320i2 2 жыл бұрын

is there a manual that you used to pull the motor

@AskTheCarExperts 2 жыл бұрын

Hello, No manual as I have pulled out quite a few motors in my day. 😀

@slow.320i2 2 жыл бұрын

@@AskTheCarExperts haha would you recommend any ? im going to pull out my 2015 N20 motor

@AskTheCarExperts 2 жыл бұрын

All Data Does a great job overall. Is your BMW a manual or auto? If you reach out to me via my website @ www.askthecarexperts.com I may be able to help with some steps.

@glennwheat50 9 ай бұрын

Im in Dallas tx

@AskTheCarExperts 9 ай бұрын

It would be a long way to send your car to CT :)