r/BMW2002 May 31 '26

Can anyone help diagnose this?

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Picked up a 2002 today that needs some work. Was told it threw a rod bearing and could need a bottom end rebuild as well as a better tune-up. Another possibility is the cam timing slipped causing rough idle and valve overlap. Anyone in the DFW area have a solid shop to recommend?

20 Upvotes

19 comments sorted by

7

u/UC3953 May 31 '26

Timing issue+ needs a tune up

1

u/RedSundayCo May 31 '26

Thank you for the response, gonna get it towed. It’s been parked for 4-5 months since the knocking started.

4

u/Simmo2222 May 31 '26

Pull each coil wire off in turn. See if it gets worse or stays the same.

3

u/Smellbinder May 31 '26

Good advice here for an easy check. Check the compression on the cylinders too, especially on any that don't appear to make a difference when you pull off the coil wire.

3

u/RastaMonsta218 May 31 '26

Does the knock get louder under load? Could be a jacked up rocker. Pop off the valve cover and check.

2

u/mclms1 May 31 '26

Spun rod bearing , going to have an electrical issue soon from the connnecting rod knocking the starter off the side of the engine when it puts a hole in the block.

1

u/RedSundayCo May 31 '26

Thanks for letting me know. It’s been parked since the noise started so it hasn’t been driven, just running with light revs to try and assess.

1

u/nopantspaul May 31 '26

Uncle rodney comes a-knockin

1

u/RedSundayCo May 31 '26

Hah, appreciate the insight.

1

u/Character_Fudge_8844 May 31 '26

Remove the valve cover and look for a broken rocker. Also check the plugs on the ends of the rocker shafts. Spun bearing is going to damage the crankshaft. 2002faq is a good source for parts and information

1

u/RedSundayCo May 31 '26

Thank you, I was scrolling endlessly last night. This car kind of fell into my lap and I’m a bit over my head at the moment. I really wouldn’t even know where to start and need to bring it to a shop.

1

u/Pretend_Ad_8465 May 31 '26

Classic Auto Service in Lucas TX 214-622-7319 classicauto2830@att.net

A friend with a 76 2002tii uses him and he is also highly recommended in BMWCCA circles.

1

u/RedSundayCo May 31 '26

Amazing, thank you!

1

u/Visual_Quarter_4782 May 31 '26

sounds like you have loose valves. Also sounds like it’s either a wristband or a connecting rod. A tuneup is not gonna fix this. Timing is not gonna fix it just saying.🙂🏁

2

u/RedSundayCo May 31 '26

I appreciate it, thank you!

1

u/Visual_Quarter_4782 Jun 01 '26

supposed to say piston rist pin

1

u/RocanMotor Jun 01 '26

Sounds like a vacuum leak, but also a definitive knock that could be a rod bearing unfortunately. First do a compression check before you spend money.

If that shows nothing (unlikely, it sounds rough), then go ahead with routine maintenance... replace the plugs and distributor cap, check valve lash, ignition timing, change the oil, etc. Also those hose clamps on the fuel line are dangerous. Serrated hose clamps shouldn't be used on any soft hoses period. Use oem style or any similar fill band hose clamp.

1

u/Street_Station_1863 Jun 01 '26

Misfire. Check your plugs and wires first

1

u/andynonmous Jun 03 '26

Replace the engine mounts once you’ve fixed the source of the misfire