I completed installing all the parts behind the inner timing cover; the crankshaft timing sprocket and nose bearing, the timing chain and the chain tensioner and rubbing block. Then I installed the inner timing cover. Before installing the inner timing cover, I replaced the front main seal.
New Parts-(Top) Timing Chain Sprocket, Nose Bearing; (Bottom) Single Row Timing Chain
Timing Chain Tensioner and Rubbing Block Parts
New Front Main Seal
Inner Timing Cover Gasket and (2) Doughnut Gaskets (Green Inside Red Circle)
Starting Point
Sprocket, Nose Bearing and Timing Chain Installed
Newly Painted Inner Timing Cover Installed
This year engine uses the single row timing chain and comes with a master link which is very convenient. The older dual-row chains were continuous and I had to cut the chain to remove it which was a bit of a hassle.
You can read about how I do this work here:
I shot three short videos that summarize the procedure I documented in the write-up.
VIDEO: 1983 BMW R100RS Install Crankshaft Sprocket and Nose Bearing
VIDEO: 1983 BMW R100RS Install Timing Chain
VIDEO: 1983 BMW R100RS Install Inner Timing Cover
If you have the older engine with dual-row timing chain, here are links to how I did the same work with the dual row chain. The procedure is pretty much the same. That said, the better method for removing the continuous dual-row chain is to use bolt cutters, not grind off two pins on a link, as that creates a lot of shrapnel that you have to clean up.
Interesting, I’ve never worked in a BMW engine before.