timing belt replacement problem. Help!

john111 · 03-13-2006, 09:52 AM

I am in desperate need for some information on my first timing belt replacement. Here is my situation:

Based on this forum, I decided to try my hand at replacing my timing belt on my '86 325 that had been in storage for 12+ years to get in back on the road for my newly permitted 15 year old son. This vehicle is in storage out of state which required me to do the job in several steps over several months. Thanks for this great forum, everything went fine and I have basically everything back together but I can't locate the senor that goes to the vibration damper or its bracket. All i have is the bolt that is screwed half way screwed into the block. I vaguely recall removing it and was careful to keep up with all other items and bolts, but this senor and pigtail have me baffled. When I removed other sensors, I just left them 'dangling' and simply re-attached them when putting it back together. I have looked all over the engine trying to locate this vibration damper sensor with not avail. Can some tell me where it plugs into so I can go back and hopefully locate it. I doubt I would have completed removed it, but simply unbolted the end that is next to the damper. In any event, i refuse to let this beat me and can go get one special ordered with its bracket, but I would need help in telling me where the other end is plugged into. The bently manual has a slight photo of the sensor bracket but that is about all. Sorry for all the rambling, but I would appreciate all and any assistance. John

Yurick · 03-14-2006, 05:05 AM

John,
If all else fails, you can always visit one of Atlanta's numerous junk yards to pick up this sensor relatively cheaply.

jase007 · jase007's Garage

Pulse Generator - p/n 12 14 1 720 852 about US$ 75 new.

Runs across the front of the upper timing belt cover, around the head and out to the bracket for the diagnostic port [round thing with cover the dealer plugs into]. IIRC ... it is the connection closest to the engine when you are viewing from the driver's side on a LHD car. There are two similar connections to the harness there ... one is upside down from the other and the harness connector ends probably have a memory [aged] as to which is right side up and which is upside down.

You probably have this back together already but ... thought I'd post for the info.

Jase

john111 · 04-11-2006, 01:49 PM

Thanks for your input. I actually spoke with some different people who said it wasn't a sensor that was mounted in this area. I only have one for the diagonistics and it mounted above this bolt. the bentley manual shows an addional one but it is for the convertible model. So......i proceeded without mounting anything on this bolt. Got everything back together, sphifold the old gas out of it, and attached a jumber battery up, turned the key and nothing. Just a slight click. Finally got jumper cables from another car parked next to it. Turned the key and at least the starter spun, but it didn't crank. Quit, got out turned the other car off to see if i could determine if the fuel pump was working. Turned the key to the first stop but really couldn't hear the fuel pump. Then I decided to turn it all the way, and low and behold the car that had been parked for 13 years cranked up! Needless to say I was elated. Jump out to finish pouring in the antifreeze. Noticed it leaking profusely under the thermostat. Turned it off and notice I failed to attach one of the hoses. Secured it and ready to complete the job. Thanks again for everyone's input. I would never have attempted the timing belt job without the education provided here. john