Re: New to board, just got a 91 318is..... (archive)

It's theoretically possible, but pretty much completely unlikely that the profile gasket was not replaced. The M42 doesn't normally have head gasket problems, but the head has to come off to replace the profile gasket.

If it was done three years ago, it should have the updated gasket which should not have any further problems. If you want to check to feel better about it, you can pull the thermostat housing off of the head, remove the thermostat, and look down inside the coolant passage leading down from the thermostat housing down to the water pump. You'll see a rectangular hole that has a rubber gasket about an inch or so down from the thermostat opening. This is the profile gasket. It should be smooth rubber all the way around the hole without any deterioration. If you see flecks of rubber falling off, a new profile gasket will probably be in your future.

Order a new thermostat housing gasket before pulling the housing off. You may want to put a new thermostat in while you're at it, unless it was recently replaced.

and I love it. It's a kick to drive. I also got a steal on this car, w/ less than 60K miles. Now for my question....I have all the service records. The head gasket was replaced three years ago. When I called the dealer with the part number, he said the profile gasket was not part of the set. So, how is it possible to replace the head gasket, and NOT replace the profile gasket? I'm living with the assumption that the profile gasket has been replaced, but I've assumed before. TIA

Michael

74 2002tii white
91 318is white
95 325is white (is there a pattern here?)

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