Author Topic: Water leak, head gasket or profile gasket? (Read 2561 times)

bin_jammin · « **on:** April 14, 2008, 09:44:59 PM »

So I have a 1991 e30 with m42 (obviously, why else would I be here?) I've been driving the car for about 3 weeks now and I absolutely love it, the only problem is that it's recently developed a NASTY water leak. It pours water out almost as fast as I can put it in. The water seems to be coming from the corner of the engine where the head, block, and timing cover all come together.

It's been a long time since I've seen a head gasket that will leak coolant externally that fast without overheating or any running problems, so I'm optimistic that it's just a profile gasket. I don't really care about how hard or easy the job is if that's the case, I'm a mechanic with a full shop to use. Looks like I'll be driving the e34 while I wait on advice.

Thanks in advance!

nomad · « **Reply #1 on:** April 15, 2008, 10:02:05 AM »

Is there any cross contamination in oil/coolant? Is it coming out of the driver side/ under the intake area?

I'd strongly urge you to look at the plastic water pipe located underneath the intake maniforld. It's really hard to see with all the vacuum hoses in the way. It will only leak when the water pump is running but I had one of the plastic nipples shear off and dump the fluid out. This overheated and cracked the head.

Check the pipe that hoses 18, 4 and 22 connect to.

bin_jammin · « **Reply #2 on:** April 15, 2008, 10:28:38 AM »

Sorry, I should have been more specific as I'm new around here. I've already removed the nest under the intake manifold, also the throttle heater. The leak is on the passenger's side of the engine, literally at the junction of the head, block, and timing cover. I found the link in the how to section for the timing cover profile gasket, and considering I've got to pull the head to do either a head gasket or a tcpg, it's really a moot point.

hesgone2fast · « **Reply #3 on:** April 15, 2008, 12:01:28 PM »

I would be 95% sure its the profile gasket. but to be sure, drown the water system, take off the aluminum piece that is in the front of the cylinder head, the one that conects both rubber hoses that go to the radiator.it�s the thermostat housing, remove the thermostat, and take a look inside. you should see the edge of the profile gasket if it looks like melted, that�s where the leak comes from.
However, to change this seal(about $5 at the dealer) you have to completely remove the cylinder head, and also change the head gasket...(it�s not a good idea to reuse an old head gasket.

Mine started to leak from the same place as yours, I took off the cylinder head, and it was literally fried. It�s a common problem of the is.
I hope this helps Good luck!!