what to do....what to do...

[jakeb]

I love my 318is dearly and it is my DD/autocross toy.  Also have a 70 2002...that will be turboed before long.

Any way....my 318is has been leaking oil sence I got it and it is starting to get worse or just bother me more.  I have also noticed a bit of coolant leaking as well.  I believe the coolant leak is from a small crack in the top of the radiator by the bleed screw but I need to investigate a little deeper.  (Curently there is a piece of cardboard under the car so I can check it in the morning)

I think the oil leak is coming from one of the front timing chain covers or something in that area.  I am debating pulling the front of the engine apart to replace all these gaskets.  But on the same token...the engine has just over 170k on it and is probally going to be ready for some freshening soon(or a new/used engine).  

So...should I just fix the leaks and keep driving it?  Or let it leak until I pull it to rebuild or replace?  

It really runs well, no chain noise, or odd sounds.  I do smell a bit of burning oil from time to time so there is a little blow I assume.

What do you all suggest?

Also does anyone have a used m42/m44 for sale in the mid/eastern US.  I am in Michigan.  Either something to drop in or more so something that needs a rebuild.   I am very content with the power of a stock m42.  What is the average cost for parts for a stock m42 build?  I have done an m10 but never the m42.

I will look into the leaks a little more tomorrow and see if I can track them down(both oil and coolant).  Are there any gaskets on the front of the engine that might be easy to change that may be causing my leak?


TIA,
Jake

[D. Clay]

For a used engine try: http://www.car-part.com
Best way to spot leaks is take it to a car wash and clean the motor.

[dhirsch]

When I bought my 318is it had 212,000 miles on it with a timing chain tick and various oil leaks.

I got it cheap so I changed all the timing chain components along with the seals soon after getting it.  The car's now got 233,000 or so on it and runs like a champ.  I bought another motor to rebuild and will probobly swap the two motors at about 250,000 just to be safe.  The way I looked at it was if all the timing chain parts and leaking seals cost about 500 or 600 dollars and i get at least 1 year out of the motor that's pretty cheap...

The leaks around the front of the engine could be the timing case seals or more likely the crankshaft seal.  Also check your oil pan gaskets..HTH