Excellence say just remove the IMS outer seal!

[tcallas]

Originally Posted by Perfectlap

While you're here. Do you factor in engine sound at all when you determine if an oil is better or worse for the m96? Some people take comfort in a quieter engine.

Great question, I would have to say yes. Actually, I will back pedal some on this one, I was thinking about warm running conditions/noise on the M96-M97 engine, but the start-up noise does seem slightly better with the 5w-40 weight lubricants. The greatest growing concern of mine right now is the M96-M97 IMS chain tensioner. If it were mine, I would replace that tensioner every 40k miles. Jake has seen catastrophic engine damage occur when the IMS chain tensioner has worn-out and left loose for too long. Listen for ratting noises on cold engine start-up, this can be indicative of a worn out IMS chain tensioner. It’s now on my list of preventive maintenance items, not to be taken lightly.

Good luck,
Tony Callas
Callas Rennsport

[southernstar]

I guess what I don't understand is the following: if the inner seal on the IMS bearing fails, allowing engine oil to contaminate the grease and cause bearing failure, how will the inner seal be strong enough to hold up to lubrication from a separate line into the housing/cover? Furthermore, are the bearings designed for, or at least the same as ones designed for lubrication by crankcase oil? I'm sure there is a simple answer and that I am showing my ignorance, but I am having trouble wrapping my alleged brain around all of this!

Brad

[shadrach74]

Hi Tony, thanks for posting. Do you have any inclination as to why a more viscous oil would be quieter at start up? An if it is quieter, why would it be happier, as Jake has stated.

[southernstar]

Thanks JFP, that makes sense.

Brad

[Perfectlap]

Originally Posted by tcallas

Great question, I would have to say yes. Actually, I will back pedal some on this one, I was thinking about warm running conditions/noise on the M96-M97 engine, but the start-up noise does seem slightly better with the 5w-40 weight lubricants. The greatest growing concern of mine right now is the M96-M97 IMS chain tensioner. If it were mine, I would replace that tensioner every 40k miles. Jake has seen catastrophic engine damage occur when the IMS chain tensioner has worn-out and left loose for too long. Listen for ratting noises on cold engine start-up, this can be indicative of a worn out IMS chain tensioner. It’s now on my list of preventive maintenance items, not to be taken lightly.

Good luck,
Tony Callas
Callas Rennsport

This makes me think that TheSTone hit on something here and we should have a thread about preventative engine maintenace for high mileage pre-m97 cars.
Aside from the IMSB of course. The advice above seems important yet not well known or understood by most owners...to their peril.

[Bfan]

Originally Posted by tcallas

Great question, I would have to say yes. Actually, I will back pedal some on this one, I was thinking about warm running conditions/noise on the M96-M97 engine, but the start-up noise does seem slightly better with the 5w-40 weight lubricants. The greatest growing concern of mine right now is the M96-M97 IMS chain tensioner. If it were mine, I would replace that tensioner every 40k miles. Jake has seen catastrophic engine damage occur when the IMS chain tensioner has worn-out and left loose for too long. Listen for ratting noises on cold engine start-up, this can be indicative of a worn out IMS chain tensioner. It’s now on my list of preventive maintenance items, not to be taken lightly.

Good luck,
Tony Callas
Callas Rennsport

Hi Tony.
Thanks for all the input. What about LN´s IMS chain tensioner upgrade. Does it also need 40 K miles replacement interval?
Gunnlaugur, Reykjavik

[BYprodriver]

Originally Posted by Bfan

Hi Tony.
Thanks for all the input. What about LN´s IMS chain tensioner upgrade. Does it also need 40 K miles replacement interval?
Gunnlaugur, Reykjavik

Bfan I think you are referring to the crank to IMS chain tensioner with replaceable wear pad. I call this a "paddle" to differentiate it from the hydraulically operated tensioners. The LN paddle is billet aluminum & should last for the life of the car with the possible exception of the Porsche replaceable wear pad between the paddle & chain.

[Bfan]

Thanks for clearing this up Pro