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DISCUSSION => Engine + Driveline => Topic started by: phredphish on April 19, 2007, 06:40:33 PM

Title: Headgaskets x2
Post by: phredphish on April 19, 2007, 06:40:33 PM

A little bit of backstory:
I've replaced my headgasket twice -- once about a year ago and again about ~2 months ago. I replaced it a second time because the first was my first...so I thought I may've screwed sometime up.

I have water leaking into the oil (but not oil leaking into the water). This was the problem that I had before.

The last time I replaced the head, I noticed that the mating surface around the profile gasket was more 'polished' that the rest of the head...lending to my assumption that someone had worked on this problem before. There is also pitting within the groove that the profile gasket sits...the pitting doesn't make it all the way to both sides of the groove, but any pitting on the mating surface is bad. I filled the pitting with a metallic epoxy and lightly sanded it flush. I checked it with a straight edge and everything seemed OK. Next, before putting the cylinder head back on the car, I used an anerobic gasket sealing (red gel-like substance, expensive) compound and fixed the profile gasket with it. It worked! I didn't have any leaking and the oil was clean...now (~2 months later) it isn't.

I can only assume the water is leaking around that same area -- I eliminated other factors after replacing the gasket the second time (as the first time I changed it, I also replaced the water pump, thermostat and various other gaskets). My question is: can/should/where do I get a head remanufactured? Should I just buy a new one (used stock/reman. stock)? Should I seek a new motor?

Any suggestions are much appreciated...I don't want to part with my e30, but it seems that it is trying to force my hand.

Thanks in advance,
Andrew

Title: Headgaskets x2
Post by: nickmpower on April 19, 2007, 08:03:23 PM

I also have this problem. cant fingure out what it could be. How long before you notice white on the dipstick? I see it on mine after only a couple minutes

Title: Headgaskets x2
Post by: 318is91 on April 19, 2007, 08:33:14 PM

your post leads me too believe that you reused the original head gasket? is this true? if so i would get a new gasket and try again. also maybe have the head, block or both machined.

Title: Headgaskets x2
Post by: phredphish on April 20, 2007, 07:52:58 AM

No...new gasket set each time. Nick, have you replaced the headgasket and all related gaskets (profile)?

Title: Headgaskets x2
Post by: nickmpower on April 20, 2007, 03:22:04 PM

yes, i think my problem might be that the timing case or block is cracked, since my engine was overheated

Title: Headgaskets x2
Post by: kowalski on April 20, 2007, 04:35:05 PM

what temp was the epoxy stuff you used rated too?
and did you get the head checked for cracks or warpage?