Head/Profile gasket change.

[alexh]

Hi guys, am new to the forum so sorry for asking something that has undoubtedly been asked a million times. I'm in desperate need of getting my car fixed and running again. Mayo on the dipstick so I'm assuming Head or Profile gasket.

Is there an easy way to find out which it is or do I have to strip the lot? Should I just replace the two at the same time?

Could someone point me towards a decent guide for the change, including all (usual) parts and tools required?

EDIT: This is for a 1990 318iS

Thanks,
Alex

[deansweet]

in my opinion. Replace both at the same time as they all come in the kit.
While you have it apart. Replace the water pump and thermostat.
How many miles on the car?

Other than normal hand tools; special tools you may want to find before you start are a Head Bolt Torx Bit OTC Part#5940 (http://www.amazon.com/OTC-5940-Head-Bolt-Socket/dp/B000R5KT7W), a Inch Toque Wrench (http://www.amazon.com/Sunex-International-9702A-8-inch-Torque/dp/B000TDAGWU/ref=sr_1_4?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1344455175&sr=1-4&keywords=inch+torque+wrench) and the fan removal kit you rent from Autozone/Advance Auto (http://www.idmsvcs.com/2vmod/waterpump/fanclutch/wrench/pictures/index.html).

There are a few DIY's on the subject out there or pick up the guide on ebay.

-Dean

[keflaman]

Dean, check his location. He's in the United Kingdom, not Upper Kentucky.:p

Check Halfords for the spanner to remove the fan: http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_214258_langId_-1_categoryId_165469

Pull your plugs and check for coolant in the cylinders. If none is present you may get lucky and find it's the profile gasket, but either way you'll need the spanner for sure.

Here's a start for you:
http://timthurber.com/tcpg.htm

[alexh]

Thanks, will read through this when I get on the pc. Mileage is around 156k