camshaft timing alignment?

2000 BMW 740
139,000 MILES • 4.4L • V8 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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ADHIAB
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can i turn by hand counterclockwise? the camshaft cylinder 1-4 to 180 degree i turned by hand clockwise. and touch the piston after that i have to rotate the crankshaft 1turn 720 degree to have the mark right for the alignment.
Sep 1, 2023 at 4:51 AM
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ADHIAB
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I'm looking to get the camshaft on position mark upward. for i can continue the alignment.
Sep 1, 2023 at 5:07 AM
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BORIS K
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Hello,

A link to a great guide on timing chain and guide replacement:
http://www.bimmerboard.com/forums/posts/876903

A good video:
https://youtu.be/khbistY6Wgg?si=3UdUZ4XKulLjYf64

I hope this helps.

Cheers, Boris
Sep 1, 2023 at 8:10 AM
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ADHIAB
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Help! Timing guides - engine won't turn over by hand

I need your help as I am stumped...

Changed the timing guides, went to turn over the engine by hand and it won't make even make 1 full revolution (need 2). Going clockwise it gets stuck around 7 O'clock; going counter-clockwise it gets stuck around 8 O'clock. So there is something between 7-8 O'clock that is preventing the engine to turn over (has to be valves?). Engine ran fine beforehand, so it can't be a bent valve.

When I originally locked the flywheel, I was 180 degrees out of time (letters on cams were facing down). Chain tensioner was removed. After asking the forum members, it was confirmed I was out of time, so I installed the chain tensioner tool and turned the engine over so the letters on cams were facing up (1 full revolution). I am afraid in the process I've messed up the timing somewhere.

If I take off the cams, will I be able to turn the engine without interference from valves? My plan is to:

1) Take off the cams
2) Turn the engine over and see if I can make full revolution (2-4 times, just to be sure)
3) Set crank at cylinder #1 TDC and lock flywheel
4) Reinstall the cams (letters facing up, squared and locked by blocks)
5) Pray really hard...
6) Turn the engine over and check if there is still an issues around 7-8 O'clock position
Sep 3, 2023 at 4:42 AM
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ADHIAB
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Help! Timing guides - engine won't turn over by hand.

I need your help as I am stumped...

Changed the timing guides, went to turn over the engine by hand and it won't make even make 1 full revolution (need 2). Going clockwise it gets stuck around 7 O'clock; going counterclockwise it gets stuck around 8 O'clock. So, there is something between 7-8 O'clock that is preventing the engine to turn over (has to be valves?). Engine ran fine beforehand, so it can't be a bent valve.

When I originally locked the flywheel, I was 180 degrees out of time (letters on cams were facing down). Chain tensioner was removed. After asking the forum members, it was confirmed I was out of time, so I installed the chain tensioner tool and turned the engine over so the letters on cams were facing up (1 full revolution). I am afraid in the process I've messed up the timing somewhere.

If I take off the cams, will I be able to turn the engine without interference from valves? My plan is to:

1) Take off the cams.
2) Turn the engine over and see if I can make full revolution (2-4 times, just to be sure).
3) Set crank at cylinder #1 TDC and lock flywheel.
4) Reinstall the cams (letters facing up, squared and locked by blocks).
5) Pray really hard...
6) Turn the engine over and check if there is still an issue around 7-8 O'clock position.
Sep 3, 2023 at 12:46 PM (Merged)
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BORIS K
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Hello,

With the camshafts removed you will be able to turn the engine as no valves are being actuated. If the engine gets stuck in any way, then this could mean that you have a bent valve which is not fully closing and therefore touching a piston.

Cheers, Boris
Sep 4, 2023 at 1:18 AM
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JAB0779
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Hey ADHIAB did the problem resolved if resolved how you did it
Jun 12, 2025 at 4:46 PM
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JAB0779
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Hi ADHIAB did the issue resolved if resolved how
Jun 12, 2025 at 4:47 PM
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STRAILER
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I hope he responds, this was a couple of years ago. Are you asking if the engine can be turned backwards?
Jun 15, 2025 at 9:25 AM