Re: 635 Head removal in car (archive)

: After 140K, my beloved '87 635csi is starting to consume oil.
: I have fixed the common external leaks, oil pressure sensor etc.,but I think it's time to remove the head for service.
: Question is....How difficult is the head to remove and replace with the engine in the car. I know a lot of you guys have done this procedure, so where do I start.The front of the engine where the cam drive is looks awful crowded. Should I pull the radiator??????
: Thanks for all the past help,
: Tom in PA

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tom,

I would be very surprised if the rings are bad at 140K if you've maintained the car properly. I've seen engines with 250K that still have good rings and NO cylinder wear ridge. It is probable your valve guide seals are passing the oil.

There is plenty of room to pull the head with the radiator in place. The back two head bolts can be tricky to reinstall when the head is on (at least on the e23-I can't remember the last e24), so I drop them into the head and place a strong rubber band between the bolt heads so they don't go all the way down and snag the head gasket as you position the head onto the block, then lower the head into position.

Also it is a LOT easier to pull the head with the intake and exhaust manifolds on the head and pull them later. It is nice to have a helper for this due to the extra weight, however. I likewise reinstall the head with at least the intake manifold in place.

You might consider rebrushing the starter while it's exposed with the head off.

BTW, it IS possible to install con rod bearings and rings with the engine still in the car. The oil pan comes off leaving plenty of room to work. At 140K the cylinders, the pistons, and the main bearings should be fine for another 100K at least.

Bob

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