E30 Zone

I have had my 325ise for about 7 months now and had not touched the spark plugs.I changed them yesterday and three of them were covered in oil and the other three were just normal.What is this a sign of

It also does not idle very well wanting to give up but then picking itself up again?

There are also signs of over heating when sitting in traffic

Please help guys. I hope aint to much bad news although i am preparing myself

Erm... sounds like there's a leak in the headgasket...

AAAAGH MAN!!!

Thanks for the swift response mate. I just wanted to confirm with someone so i knew i was on the right tracks.

Time to change the head gasket then.

least you've spotted it early,make sure you get that head skimmed!!! either that or just leave your tools out,and wait....!!!

Tel

True True.

What are the benefits of having the head skimmed? Sorry if it seems like a dippy question but i am fairly new to the e30 world.

What are your views on porting and polishing an m20 head?

not definate but ive heard a lot of people say that porting etc isnt really worth doing unless your getiin better cam etc etc etc but i may be wrong so dnt hold me to it lol

good mod is the bbtb and zonechip mate Daz

Thats very true.

A mechanic i know said it is not worth it unless you do what you mentioned daz.

I think i will just get the head gasket replaced for now and save some Ԛ£'s to really treat the old girl! thats assuming theres no cracks in the head

Also, i opted to stick a K&N panel filter as opposed to the cone.I also drilled a few holes in the air box. A mate told me to only drill on the opposite side from the engine sits as you will be feeding hot air.Sounds like good advice dont you think?

What does bbtb stand for

Big Bore Throttle Body.

Good advice on the hole drilling... but I bet you replace it after a while as the noise becomes annoying...

ive got the tb here to go on my 320i and also have drilled airbox drillied into side nearest wing and bottom of airbox and it does feel a little better and sounds well nice when the revs hit 4k cant really hear mines done until you get the revs up then its sooo sweet Daz

I see!

But doesnt Big Bore Throttle Body equal more petrol consumption?

It dont really bother to much. Got me thinking now. I would like to try it along with the zonechip. Know of any one selling these items or shall i just browse the parts for sale bit?

Before you start taking the head off, check for a few other things. Your oily plugs and overheating might not be related to the same fault:

Overheating could be due to a cold spot on the rad not operating the viscous fan (which could be faulty on it's own too) or a faulty thermostat. There are in fact loads of things which can cause the heat to rise but not necessarily 'boil over' You should check them through systematically.

Your oily plugs might be a symptom of your poor idle which in turn could be due to your valve clearances being too tight. Again, if the clearances are tight enough this can affect the cylinder head temp.

Start with these simple items. When you are checking the valve clearances look at the cam lobes as they are often worn an the clearances tightened to quiet everything down resulting in a poor idle.

That is very interesting.

I will right down your "check list" and see how it goes.

I want to check the rotor arm aswell. Blimey thats one tough part to get your hands on!?!?

Actually,i say i will write down your check list and carry it out but really and truely i aint got a clue what i am looking for.

Giggz wrote:That is very interesting.

I will right down your "check list" and see how it goes.

I want to check the rotor arm aswell. Blimey thats one tough part to get your hands on!?!?

Do a coolant change as well, and take the rad out. Makes getting at the disributor a whole lot easier. And when was the cambelt last changed?

Do a compression test before taking your head off. It might be something worse than headgasket like worn oil ring or something not as bad like leaky valve guide. The symptons of overheating and oily rings do give head gasket as the likely candidate.

Could also be valve stem oil seals, although this would not account for overheating.

Ok, so the rad will come out today,good idea actually!

Will change the rotar arm.

I actually bled the water/coolant tank a month ago...shall i do it again just for good measure?

The cam-belt has not been changed for about 10,000 miles...thats ok aint it?

Is there anyone local to ilford out there who can have a look at the head for me,as i am not to sure what to look out for!?!?

Giggz I'm in Romford and if you want to come over with the car I'd be happy to help. PM me for contact details if u want.
Dan

You have pm tourer-dan