Engine trouble

[Chesty Bonds]

Does anybody know what the spark-plug-like attachment is in the front of my engine? Its between the end of the block and the auxilary fan.

Its pissing oil all down the front of my block and, also, how do you get it out of the way so that i can replace my thermostat???

Thanks.

 

[Dave8812]

Distributer maybe? But that definately shouden't be leaking oil...

 

[Chesty Bonds]

yeah its not the distributor. It looks like a spark-plug cap but i know it isn't

 

[Dave8812]

hmmm, might wanna wait for someone else... I'm not an expert at the engine stuff yet.

 

[Ghost]

I'm not sure [|)], but it looks like a pcv (positive crankcase ventilation) valve, if it is there should be a hose that connects to it. Try this site, hope it helps.

318is

 

[landspeed85]

That's a cam sensor, and if it leaks it's probably bad.

 

[Chesty Bonds]

OK cam sensor. What, then, is its operation? Does it monitor camshaft speeds or wear or something?

 

[Chesty Bonds]

Anybody???

I need to know how to get it off too, so that i can change my thermostat

 

[AutoXfreak]

Hmmm, Im going for the cam sensor or the Cam Shaft Seal in the head. Check into getting a bently manual. It will help you with the Thermostat! I have an "e" sorry I cant help wth the Thermostat.

 

[Chesty Bonds]

Yeah i sussed it out and it is a cam sensor. All i need is a new o-ring for it (probably about AUD $1) and that should stop the leak.

In terms of my thermostat, well, im currently in the process of installing it and it has been quite a tough assignment. The first time i re-installed the 'stat the gasket got chewed up and so i had rad water pissing down the front of my engine. It's a long story but i will post a full report on how it was done, hopefully with some pics too if it isnt too much of a hassle. It seems the M42B18 (thats my engine) was done quite differently from the original M40 (found in the 318i) and so the thermostat is more difficult to access. Anyway, i better get back to it!