Re: Probable blown head gasket.... advice needed (archive)

: : Just picked up a pretty clean 1990 325i/4dr./73k/auto/ac-not working for $500.00. Seemed like a good deal for the price. Wanted a car to give to my dad to run around in. Owner said she was told head gasket is blown. Receipt show timing belt and tensioner changed late last year. H20 resevoir showed water/oil mix, but valve cover and dipstick have no indication of oil/h20 mixed.

: : First thing I did was fill resevoir w/h20 and put a little pressure on it thinking I would then remove the plugs and turn the motor over to see if h20 would blow out the pulg holes.

: : H20 immediately began to slowly leak out the water pump. Also tried to start the car, but although I had spark and fuel, no luck. I then ran a compression check and found very low compression in most cylinders (#1-60#, #2-10#, #3-95#, #4-140#, #5-95# and #6-0#).

: : Decided to tear down the front and check the belt, tensioner and water pump. Found the pump shaft totally loose with fan nut frozen on. I removed the front mechanicals, and am ready to proceed with the head removal tomorrow.

: : Given the low compression readings, should I also have done a "wet" reading by squirting oil down the plug holes? I wonder if the the rings were damaged or if it simply is a blown head gasket. Anyone have any suggestions or ideas? I guess I can always put the belt, etc. back on to do another compression reading with oil if necessary.

: : TIA for your help... I really enjoy the information on this site.

: : Mahalo.... Mike G.

: Mike;

: I think you are on the right track. Head gaskets blow in many and sometimes mysterious ways. Once you remove the head, the entire picture will become clear. Be sure to take the head to a machine shop and have it checked for true.

Fan nut is left handed.Make sure you flush the cooling system,radiator(take it to the shop),heater core and all the hoses.You might want to replace the hoses up front,the oil makes them soft and hit the fan blade.before you take it apart retorque the head and check the compression

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