Why I have not been around, Long story. Options

[ClayPerrine]

So last October I got laid off. I was out of work until February. I got a job with a defense contractor in Denton, Texas. It is a 35 mile commute one way, and usually it takes an hour in rush hour traffic.

The second week I was at the new job, I was hospitalized with kidney stones. Spent three days in the hospital after getting them removed. Not a good time. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

I was driving our 95 BMW 540i to work. It was running great. To beat traffic, I leave for work about 5:30 am. One morning in early March, I left for work. Got around the corner and ended up turning off into a bank parking lot when the check engine light went on and off twice and the engine died. I tried the key and it definitely didn't have any compression.

I opened the hood, and took off the oil filler. I stuck my finger in the hole and pulled out one end of the broken timing chain.

The motor ate 32 valves and broke the lower timing cover, one upper timing cover and the air/oil separator.



Years ago, I went to rebuild the original motor after a blown head gaskiet. Well the block recall was never done, and the one that was in the car has unobtainium piston rings. I was able to find 7 sets of piston rings for a V8. So I ended up buying a used motor. That was after having the heads rebuilt at a machine shop. So I have ready made heads to go on it.

But it has taken months to round up all the little bits and pieces necessary to put it back together. I have been haunting ebay and the various BMW forums to find all the parts.

The last one arrived yesterday, the air/oil separator. So I am going to spend time in the garage getting a BMW engine put back together this long holiday weekend.

After that, I can get back to my 4.0 Flat Fan conversion motor. It is calling to me and I can't help it yet. I have to have transportation to work. Betty has been working from home, and when she absolutely HAS to go into the office, she has been driving the non air conditioned blue 914-6. So she is ready for me to get it fixed.

And I have missed this place.

[930cabman]

Sounds like life has gotten in the way, it can happen from time to time. I have never experienced either kidney stones or eaten valves. I'm sure things wil work themselves out

[Superhawk996]

That’s some serious dedication to keep a 95’ Bimmer running. Not sure whether that’s a (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smilie_pokal.gif) or a (IMG:style_emoticons/default/screwy.gif) but I admire the dedication to keep old stuff running.

Sorry to hear of all the drama and health issues but I can surely relate. Keep on keeping on. We missed you round here.

[Root_Werks]

Well sun of a Nut Cracker! Has been a minute.

My kid has an 850 I'm storing for him. Drive it monthly and always hope nothing happens.

Nice to see you back, we've missed you too.