Messages

1

Engine + Driveline / Re: Anyone done the M44 timing case swap?

« on: December 05, 2015, 08:08:20 PM »

Here are some pics of the bulging profile gasket. I don't think these images are typical of the usual failure mode as they appear more what i'd expect to see from poor installation.
regardless, i've decided not to take a chance on the PG and to replace it now along with a late model M42 timing cast with the idle gear delete.

2

Engine + Driveline / Re: Anyone done the M44 timing case swap?

« on: December 03, 2015, 08:01:08 PM »

So i have more M4x timing cases in the garage than i care to admit to you guys or tell my wife about......

                                                         Part Number                        Oi Pump cover #
2x M42 cases with the idler gear      1 721 799                                 1 714 614
2x M44 cases                                    1 739 802.9                              1 714 614

& an odd ball
1x M42.x (late model)                       1 739 413                                 1 714 614

The oldball case has the CPS bracket in the casting and the idler gear delete. I think it came from a Z3 but cant remember.... This is the case i'm considering using with the late model M44 metal gasket to the block so i have the upside of deleting the gear while retaining the OEM CPS bracket.

I have three questions for the group:
1. should i swap over the guts of the M44 oil pump to this late model M42 case?
2. is this swap as simple as replacing with the late model M44 gasket to the block?
3. is there anything else i am forgetting?
thx

3

Engine + Driveline / Re: Anyone done the M44 timing case swap?

« on: December 03, 2015, 10:54:55 AM »

Here's some solid info on the early M42 case vs late model M42 case swap.
http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=364954

Some of it is applies to the M44 case (mainly the big gasket). Obviously the M44 case lacks a way to hold the CPS.

Thanks Guys,


bmwman91  - That is a great link to the M44 timing case swap and much appreciated. I'll give it a proper read through tonight and work on the parts list i need.
When i noticed the difference in the cases i thought that the oil channels in the block must be ported differently so i think what i will do is hold off ordering the gasket until the camshaft looking tool arrives and i tear off the existing timing case to ensure all the M44 ports line up with the oil gallery ports.

I have a timing case from either late model M42 or early M44 that has the idler gear delete plus a bracket on the casting for the CPS so maybe i'm lucky there and this will be a very simple upgrade to larger oil pump and idler gear delete...
I'll try and take some pictures later of the parts and pieces i have to work with.

locknload - i hear you about stripping the head all the way down but before i dig this hole any deeper i want to make that call once i have cleaned up the block and timing case and dry fit with a profile gasket. its hard to visualize and make a call until i can lay hands on the job. If it looks in any way marginal i'll bite the bullet and follow what i know to be the sensible path.

more to follow

4

Engine + Driveline / Re: Anyone done the M44 timing case swap?

« on: November 28, 2015, 10:35:07 PM »

Hi,
i wanted to check back and ask if you had an issue mating the M44 timing case to the M42 block as i notice the gasket part numbers shown on www.realoem.com call out two different part #'s
xxx3032 for the M42
&
xxx4363 for the M44

i tore down a M42 today for the E30 thats been in my garage for 12 months to replace the c/shaft seals and check on the health of the timing case only to find that 80% of the profile gasket is bulging out into the timing case like a hernia ......   

I have 2x M44 t'/cases and 3/M42 cases in the garage so if i can make something work with the larger oil pump, gasket differences and idler gear delete i'll be all over it.
Any advice on your t/case experiences would be much appreciated.
thx
e

5

Engine + Driveline / Re: Valve spring upper plate

« on: March 01, 2015, 11:00:06 PM »

Does anyone know of an off the shelf upper valve plate that can be used with a 6mm valve stem and the dual springs from an e30 m42 for my mongrel build?

6

Engine + Driveline / Re: Valve spring choice

« on: March 01, 2015, 01:33:33 PM »

Thanks Rohan.
The Bentley manual shows that from 93 onward the M42 was fitter with 6mm valves so unless i source new top retainers for the smaller valve guides i think i have to go with the single beehive spring set up on the newer head.
the other option would be to fit new valve guides for the 7mm valves but unless the existing guides are worn that seems like a lot of work for nothing
what a bummer 

will cross my fingers that my new head is a 92 and and will check on the retainer options during the week should i need plan -B

7

Engine + Driveline / Re: Valve spring choice

« on: February 28, 2015, 11:33:58 PM »

Thanks Rohan.
I'm not sure I understand what your saying- dual spring or single beehive?
From what I've read online Bmw reduced weight of the valvegear and also their fixed costs when the replaced the dual spring set up with a single spring. This cost saving helped the engine rev higher, reduce weight and profit margin. A fine solution for b,w but is this the best one for an owner?
 The new head I bought do $100 is it the shop and I only had it in my possession for about 15minutes between the time I bought it and dropped it offer for a pressure test, guides, valve seats etc....
I was going to drop my dual springs and valves to the machine shop this week and ask the, to use the best of the 7mm valves and whichever springs I decide on between now and then......
Thoughts?

8

Engine + Driveline / Valve spring choice

« on: February 28, 2015, 10:33:37 PM »

I am replacing the cracked head on my 91 e30 with a 94head of an e36 and wanted to ask if I should use the dual valve springs for the e30 or the single spring set up from the e36?
Both have the 7mm valves and I'd like to go for the most reliable set up, hence I am leaning towards the original dual springs.
Does anyone have a compelling reason to go one way or another aside from creating a high revving hand grenade?


Oh, and I managed to pull the valves using a G-clamp and a wrench for removing oxygen sensors plus a telescoping magnet on and old antenna. Worked a charm and far quicker than other methods I've used in the past. Happy days

9

WTB/WTT / WTB M42 block or short motor

« on: February 22, 2015, 08:50:04 PM »

Hello,
I am looking for a serviceable M42 block. will also consider a short motor.  I have a newly rebuilt cylinder head and was hoping to rebuild my own block but i think it is too far gone.

I am in Austin TX, and can collect in the DFW, Houston, San Antonio area. Might also be able to cover shipping depending on the cost.

If you have anything, drop me a note.

Cheers
ES

10

Engine + Driveline / Re: Will an E36 M42 head fit an e30

« on: February 11, 2015, 10:18:25 PM »

Thank you Sir!
The E36 head has a pair of sensors below the inlet manifold so it must be a late model M42 and I think even the M44 engine which has only one temp sensor, can be made to fit with some wiring mods to convert to one sensor with a swap of the cams.
I think I'd be fearful of using the e36 cams due to changes in the cam duration and engine map on the later cars but if the base casting is the same, which it appears to be I should be able to swap the e30 cams and ridges on to the lighter 6mm valves and improved follower design.
For $100 beggars can't be choosers so I think I'll dive in an be a buyer tomorrow and if the swap does not work I can always sell the head on and should come out OK.
Unless of course someone jumps in and tells me it's a crazy idea and will never work.
Anyone care to chime in?

11

Engine + Driveline / Will an E36 M42 head fit an e30

« on: February 11, 2015, 04:21:37 PM »

Hi Guys,

I bought a 1991 318is (e30) that has been sitting with an overheating problem. The head is cracked in two places on cyls 2&3 so I found clean/ solid looking head from an e36 318is (might be a 318ti) Circa 94/95 and want to know if the swap backwards is possible and what's involved if it is.

My casting # 1721464 then the #11 at 90degrees to the 7digit casting #k

The new head has #1721464 then #18 plus I think the cams profile looks different but I did not have them side by side.

Can someone let me know if the 1994/5 casting can be used with the 1991 head and if I need to swap the cams, valve guides etc?


Thanks in advance for your help.

12

For Sale / Re: 91 318i e30 m42 part out

« on: February 11, 2015, 08:34:44 AM »

i am looking for a M42 cylinder head, casting # 1721464 shipped to ZIP 78669