Swaping heads

[DJ_B4L]

is it easily to swap a head from one 1.8i to another 1.8i engine?

i got a 318i cab think it has worn cam issue i have another spare 1.8i engine i was thinkin is it easier to swap just the head or would it be better to drop the whole engine in?

what needs to be done if i want to swap the head over would i need to get it skimmed or not?

correct me if im wrong i need to take the old head off

clean the old gasket stuff off

fit a new gasket with the other head

and replace the cambelt while im at it and would i need to drain the coolant and bleed it so no air locks are in?

[Chris-W]

Easier to drop the other engine in, I'd say.

[ed325i]

You should use new head bolts. I would change the engine oil aswell and you may need a exhaust down pipe gasket.

ED

[ed325i]

why do you think the cam is worn?

ED

[essexboy]

i recently done a head on my old 316i (same engine) i had the head pressure checked for cracks cost £30 at my local engine builders and skimmed cost £35 just to be safe than sorry after doing all that work to find it cracked or warped as bmw heads for sum reason suffer from cracking, also i used a head gasket set from gsf as this worked out not alot more expensive than just a head gasket around the £40 mark and you get every gasket you will need, another thing to think about checking wen transfering heads is the valve's whether they need lapping in this was included in the pressure check,

also when doing this job

you need to put little pieces of tissue paper in the head bolt holes to soak up any water,

the head bolts need to be cracked loose in sequence as it can cause the head to distort,

make sure you try not to get any head gasket stuff in the oil ways when cleaning up the block and that they are nice and clear when you put the new gasket on.

it is also advised by my local engine builders to use hylema on all the gaskets and sals most people say dont put nothing on but they have been doing it for years and mine has been fine touch wood,

i hope this is of help

Lee

[DJ_B4L]

thanks for the info guys

i think its has a worn cam because i was told by a garage that the pipe that spills oil on the cam got blocked and made the cam wear out and its making a tappety noise at the moment

i know that the tappets on the 1.8i cant be adjusted at first i was thinkin of changing the cam as i got a whole engine i thought i just swap the head over

i wouldnt mind upgrading the engine either to a 2.5 if its involves a simialr job any one got a spare 2.5 engine with no problems?

[tomson]

[/quote]

it is also advised by my local engine builders to use hylema on all the gaskets and sals most people say dont put nothing on but they have been doing it for years and mine has been fine touch wood,

[/quote]

Whatever you do mate DONT use hylomar on the actual head gasket!!

Tom

[essexboy]

why not use hyloma on the head gasket ? i always put it on never had no trouble touch wood

Lee

[tomson]

Ive never heard of anyone using it on a head gasket!

Other gaskets where oil or water may be lost it is ok but not when it comes to compression............

Tom