I had to remove the timing chain assembly from my engine recently. The problem im running into when installing is how tight the chain has to be between the vanos and ex sprocket. The first time i did this was perfect (i thought) no slack. Everything snug, but when I tried to replace the top guide rail, it was literally sitting on top of the chain and i could not screw the two bolts on to the head unless i pressed down with pressure against the chain. What am i missing here?
\/

 

This has some info in it. However, your best bet is to check out the marketplace and get a Gen 2 Bentley publishers manual. It is the bible for fixing MINIs.

 

Thank you, but it still doesn't really say if the upper guide rail rests on the chain and thats what I need to know. I literally just got done replacing a broken exhaust valve and just trying to find an answer to this. Thanks again.