It's been a while since I've posted any updates because I've mostly just been doing busy-work for the last couple of weeks while I stockpile parts and tools. Also, my actual income-producing job has been keeping me pretty busy and I haven't had much time to work on the X5 or make Internet posts. Ironic, since my day (and-sometimes-night) job is developing Internet content.

Anyway, I get the impression that whoever worked on this car last time went out of their way to deliberately sabotage it. It seems like every time I find a problem and attempt to fix it, I find another problem buried within. But I think that I might *finally* be past the turning point and can begin to reassemble the engine. Here's to hoping!

After I pulled the head, I discovered that one of the timing chain guides was broken. To replace it, the front lower timing cover has to be removed, which requires removing the harmonic balancer. It's obvious to me that the timing cover has already been removed by the previous mechanic. Which, of course, begs the question: Why the f@¢k wasn't the chain guide replaced then? So, I had to buy the special holding tool to lock the harmonic balancer while removing the center nut. While removing the timing cover, I found that one of the bolts going through the oil pan and into the bottom of the timing cover was cross threaded - which means that I'll have to re-tap the hole. See what I mean by deliberate sabotage?

Here is a photo of the new timing chain guide after its simple snap-in installation:


While the timing cover is off, it makes sense to replace the front crankshaft seal. It's not showing any signs of leaking, but it would be nuts to leave it in service since a new one only costs about $6 and it's so easy to replace with the cover on the bench.


Here is the Big-Sert kit as delivered. It's a really nice bit of kit - and ought to be for what it costs!


Here's an installed Big-Sert. Installation is a bit unnerving. Drilling into the block with a HUGE drill bit can make anyone nervous - I don't care who you are. It took an entire day to install all 14 inserts. But those bad boys are tough. There shouldn't be any more head bolt problems now.

The installation instructions say to cover the top of the engine with clear packing tape to prevent shavings from getting into the engine - a great idea. The tape is still on in the photo.


I had some time to kill, so I cleaned up the outside of the engine as much as I could.




The last of the parts should be here this week and maybe I'll get to start putting it back together this weekend. If the Car Gods smile upon me, I might have it running again by next weekend. I say a prayer in the morning facing toward Spartanburg, SC in the hopes that it will win me some favor with them!