Messages

1

Engine + Driveline / 1995 318i 4-door

« on: November 02, 2010, 08:54:38 AM »

Synthetic oil does not break down at 12K miles..really you can go a little bit longer but most people understandably dont. I have a 93 318i sedan with 218K miles, I just did a compression test on it and it was fine.  What you need to do is a compression test or a leakdown test to really know the health of the engine.

2

Engine + Driveline / Confused..My compression test does not add up!

« on: November 02, 2010, 08:49:58 AM »

Sounds like you did everything right.  Consistency is the key.  If all your readings are low & the car runs great, assume it's OK.  Shouldn't matter if the plugs are out, but that's how I do mine for convenience's sake.

FWIW, I'd block the intake all the way open & repeat the test.  Also be sure you don't have a vac damper that's jammed or plugged on the comp tester.  That'd make it read low too.

Ok, I was able to acquire the Bentley manual..The acceptable range is from 150-180 I believe.. So I am not that far off ( not sure how some people get 220 lbs +)..

I did the steps on what Bentley recommends for compression test but one thing I didnt do is remove the Fuel pump relay and the DME relay..(all I did was remove the fuel pump fuse). I am not sure if that would matter and change the result of my test?

3

Engine + Driveline / Confused..My compression test does not add up!

« on: November 01, 2010, 11:41:35 PM »

I searched this forum, google, etc..Seems like my compression test should be in the 180's to 200 range. I got 120 psi +/- 2 lbs psi on all 4 cylinders. Some say this is even too low for combustion to happen. I didnt do a "wet" test.

Here is the thing..The car runs smooth, pulls failry hard..car does not burn oil, no white smoke coming out. I just recently changed the profile gasket as well as the head gasket.

How are people getting 200 psi?  I understand if my car runs like crap but it doesn't. Here are my steps in doing the compression test:

1. Rented compression tester from Autozone.
2. Ran car to operating temp.
3. Removed all spark plugs.
4. Removed fuse for fuel pump.
5. Got in car and floored throttle.
6. Turned the engine up to 8 times.

What am I doing wrong here? Are people gettng 200+ have all plugs out?

4

Engine + Driveline / Please help! I cannot remove the power steering belt

« on: July 15, 2010, 10:36:39 AM »

I am trying to move the power steering pump so that I can install a new belt on it. I was able to do the alternator belt but for some reason I cannot seem to move the power steering unit.. I already loosened #13 in the pic below, not sure what else I need to loosen. Can anyone help?

5

Engine + Driveline / M42 head gasket coolant passages

« on: May 18, 2010, 07:00:53 PM »

Stupid question..I just pulled the head out (due to leaking profile gasket), and I noticed that some of the head gasket 's coolant passages are blocked. Is it supposed to be like that or its blocked due to years of deposit? I took a pic of it but havent posted it yet.

6

General Topics / Coolant leaking ..not sure where its coming from.

« on: April 09, 2010, 06:42:28 PM »

Its leaking in between the AC compressor and the steering rack. I dont think its coming from the thermostat housing. Could this be the dreaded "Profile Gasket" leak?  If so, is there a writeup here on how to change it?