Re: While I'm in there question..heads coming off (archive)

Sorry for not clarifying this point more clearly. The car has 147K on the clock, but runs like a new car, doesn't burn oil, etc. It's been a very well maintained car throughout its life. I'm the third owner with all records from day one.

I'm going to circle back with my mechanic to check EXACTLY what the problem is, and get an estimate for replacing other parts as suggested. As other owners are on this list, I am 'cost-aware' and have many other projects I need to spend money on right now (including a Formula vee and a sick Porsche). It's a delicate balance between pay now or risk paying later.

You make it sound as if replacing the cam tray gasket is easy. Is this something a competant home mechanic can do in a resonable amount of time? I've rebuilt many Porsche flat sixes, but I have never done anything more complex than change the starter on the M5. I think the biggest handicap is a lack of a manual to follow.

Thanks for the input.

Dion

Yeah, Shelden brings up a point. How many miles are on the car!
If you are in the low miles category, then why mess with a head gasket. The cam tray (cam box, cam carrier) and head are two separate pieces. The head bolts sit under the cam tray so head removal is optional. If I had say 80K on my car ( I wish, actually I have 178K), I would just remove the cam tray and replace that gasket. If you are higher mileage, you might as well replace your head gasket, timing chain & sprockets, chain guides, and crank hub (with a Fahey). These head gaskets rarely blow, if otherwise I would replace it without flinching.

There are two big steps here. One, is the cam tray, the cam tray comes off rather easily. Replace cam tray gasket between head and cam tray. Done.

The second step is to remove the entire head assembly. To do this you must remove the timing covers and whole shibang! So you might as well replace a lot of parts as suggested.

There is one more factor here: The head itself, while you have it off, you might as well have it gone over thoroughly. Check the seals, guides, seats, and valves. Make sure its all within spec. In fact, definitely replace your seals if nothing else.

And use NEW head bolts! They are stretch type bolts and are only good for one stretch!

My $.02,
Ethan

Well, I took the M5 in to our favorite German car mechanic to find a pesky oil leak that seems to be getting worse, and I can't find it.

It turns out to be the seal between the cam carrier and head. The seal is shot and needs to be replaced, so the head is coming off. $1500 later...no more oil leak.

This is a dangerous question, but what else should I have him take care of or look at while we are down this far? The guy is a very good mechanic as he has always taken care of our 944S, Jetta and 325i, so he may have suggestions anyway once he gets in there. I'm not looking to upgrade any equipment. I'd like the car to remain stock.

Suggestions are welcome. Thanks.

Dion

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Re: While I'm in there question..heads coming off Ethan 17:26 5/08/2002 (0)

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