Engine failure due to pan gasket shift/bolt loss (e30 only)

[EN318isPDX]

I am doing this today, and was wondering about swapping the bolts out for allen head screws.

Bad idea??

I wouldn't say that's a bad idea... but its not a good idea I'd recommend new hardware with the same size as factory.

[ClodKing]

I just reused the same bolts.

None were loose, and there was three peices of chain, but also three chunks of gasket....

Don't know where the gasket is from, but I am geussing I'll find out eventually...:rolleyes:

[EN318isPDX]

I just reused the same bolts.

None were loose, and there was three peices of chain, but also three chunks of gasket....

Don't know where the gasket is from, but I am geussing I'll find out eventually...:rolleyes:

Haha Yes you will! where there isn't a gasket there is a leak!

[ClodKing]

It was green gasket material. Same color as the lower pan gasket (and I am geussing upper).

You think my upper pan gasket is getting chewed where they normally push out?

Or maybe a part of a gasket on one of the timing chain covers??

[EN318isPDX]

It was green gasket material. Same color as the lower pan gasket (and I am geussing upper).

You think my upper pan gasket is getting chewed where they normally push out?

Or maybe a part of a gasket on one of the timing chain covers??

I'd start by pulling your timing case cover off and i'd bet its missing a piece of the gasket from where the lose pieces of chain bounces around.

[///m42 sport]

Yup, I found a floating bolt in my oilpan today!  Check yours if you haven't already!

[KenC]

I put a new block in and decided to avoid the possibility of the gasket slipping by using black gasket compound for the upper and lower pan.  A lot of Japanese imports don't even have oilpan gaskets and just use compound.  You can really torque the upper pan into the iron block.

Oh, and 291k on the original block and none of the bolts were loose.

[RX7318IS]

I know old thread but... Know one answered the guy who asked " Is this a common problem on E36 318is?"

[She loved E]

Thanks guys... just checked my pan and found one upper bolt loose and one floating in the bottom of the pan :eek: .

So, retorqued and good to go. Good news - no other bits of anything in the pan, so hopefully I'll be good for another 170k

[RX7318IS]

Is this a common failure in e36 m42  b18

[sheepdog]

The e36 does not have a 2 peice pan, any bolts falling out, fall outside of the engine bay onto the ground.

Check them, but you do not have to worry about sucking anything into the pump.


(The pickup could still come loose, but its far, far less of an issue.)

[RX7318IS]

The e36 does not have a 2 peice pan, any bolts falling out, fall outside of the engine bay onto the ground.

Check them, but you do not have to worry about sucking anything into the pump.


(The pickup could still come loose, but its far, far less of an issue.)

Thanks man.  I love this site

[xwill112x]

k
so i first read this..say.. around july?
i was like...ehhh ill get around to it..
well last night after pullin the tensioner...i figured wth i might as well check the oil pan...

so when i pull it and i looked inside my thoughts were WTF! :mad:

heres a pic:cool:



and the other two were turnable by my fingers!:mad:



but i got it all fixed now...air wrench+locktite= not coming loose in the next century.

but i still love the car no doubt, and this forum for all the help...thx guys.


M42 FTW!!!

[sheepdog]

Yikes!
That is cutting it too close.


There is a reason this is stickied.

[Isamemon]

just got this car with a known blown head gasket. dropped the pan today, found 5, yes 5 bolts in the pan
yikes
glad I pulled the pan