Author Topic: Who has changed their own Head Gasket? (Read 3294 times)

VictoryChaser · « **on:** August 27, 2009, 08:02:48 PM »

I have a 1994 318is and I think i need to change my head gasket. if anyone has done it themselves before, could you plz post what steps you took, what precautions, how long it took you, how hard is it , and what was your end results. I'm mechanically inclined, but id still like step by step if possible. Thank you all!

gtatbrissy · « **Reply #1 on:** August 28, 2009, 02:04:38 AM »

http://timthurber.com/tcpg.htm this might help

VictoryChaser · « **Reply #2 on:** August 28, 2009, 08:34:01 AM »

thanks man, thats what i needed. wonder why it took so long before any replies? oh well. Can this Profile Gasket be purchased at an AutoZone type of place or does it have to be special ordered?

rob_e30 · « **Reply #3 on:** August 28, 2009, 04:59:37 PM »

I've lost count of the number of headgaskets done so far, but the record is 5 hours trackside in Phoenix. Pelican Parts is where we get everything. If you're not removing the entire front cover, we zip tie the cam sprockets to the chain, and mark the sprockets and cam to be sure we get it timed again properly. We also take a high-res digital photo of the cam/sprocket (and bolt) positions as it's easy to adjust it a few degrees and create problems.

VictoryChaser · « **Reply #4 on:** August 29, 2009, 12:48:09 AM »

thanks. that gives me more motivation to get to work on mines. what is the average price for just the Head Gasket and the Profile Gasket?

JoeDellio · « **Reply #5 on:** August 29, 2009, 10:45:22 AM »

Quote from: VictoryChaser;77547

thanks man, thats what i needed. wonder why it took so long before any replies? oh well. Can this Profile Gasket be purchased at an AutoZone type of place or does it have to be special ordered?

About the length between replies, Ive found thats how this forum is, be glad you even get replies. I dont think that many people are really active one here,but give it some time and they will come around.

As far as price, http://www.pelicanparts.com is good. Im not sure off hand, but the head gasket set is probably around $150 but it comes with a bunch of stuff youll need as you dismantle the engine.

VictoryChaser · « **Reply #6 on:** October 02, 2009, 09:32:43 PM »

ok i managed to get the head off and do the head gasket change. But its been a nightmare putting it all back together. I know howto find crank tdc (or close to it), i understand that the camshaft lobes at cylinder 1 are up and facing inward slightly. But what orientation should the camshaft sprokets be at tdc? I had them just on there and the car wouldnt even let the fuel pump turn on. i read that the knots are supposed to be in the same direction so i changed their position to match and now the car starts barely and sounds horrible before dying out (so its letting the fuel pump run now). If someone could post a pic of the 3 things that are supposed to line up at TDC, and where their cam sprockets are positioned , i would be most grateful.

qualicas · « **Reply #7 on:** October 03, 2009, 01:48:05 AM »

You are supposed to lock the crank with the crank locking tool. I made one out of a 12mm bolt and ground down to 8mm. Then the cams are supposed to be locked in place with a special alignment gauge. (Basically the squares at the back ends of the cams are supposed to line up. The alignment tool holds them that way.) Once that is done hook up the chain and attach sprockets and tensioner. Then you want to turn the whole thing over by hand 2 revolutions to make sure nothing hits (pistons vs valves) and you are good to go.
Buy the Haynes manual it has all the technical info you will need. If you haven't done it properly, you may have bent the valves.

roundel318 · « **Reply #8 on:** October 03, 2009, 08:35:05 PM »

The tool rental club on here has a M42 cam locking tool I believe.