E30 325i '85 -> Engine back in!

[Sprungcasper]

Almost ready to start it!

While we where busy putting the engine in, my friend wanted to check the camshaft. It almost looked like new:


Radiator is also back in the car. Being a 324TD radiator, is a bit confusing where the hose need to go, but with the pictures from the donorcar, it make sens.


All the brakelines, calipers and cilinders are back in. I adjusted the handbrake, so it now grips with a little pull on it, instead on just the last 2 clicks. What a nightmare that was to get it right..




List to get it running is getting smaller:
- + cable from the back
- Engine wiringloom
- heater (picking the best out of 3
- Master clutch cilinder
- fuellines including fuelpump
- pedals
- Exhaust front to back.
- ground cable from the engine to the chassis.

Just a few bits and pieces.

[Sanchez]

[Brianmoooore]

Outstanding rebuild, but I'd consider replacing those hex. headed head bolts for more modern stretch bolts. There's a known issue with the heads breaking off of the hex. version.
It can be done one at a time, without disturbing/replacing the head gasket.

While we where busy putting the engine in, my friend wanted to check the camshaft. It almost looked like new:

[Sprungcasper]

Outstanding rebuild, but I'd consider replacing those hex. headed head bolts for more modern stretch bolts. There's a known issue with the heads breaking off of the hex. version.
It can be done one at a time, without disturbing/replacing the head gasket.

You mean the heads brake around the bolts or the bolts them self break?

I know the issue of head breaking/cracking on m20's. Is that the reason?

[Speedtouch]

Yes, the hex heads sometimes snap off the bolt! The bolt head can then wreak havoc with the valve gear thrashing away, with ensuing carnage.

The cylinder heads can crack along the central water ways, although it's often down to lack of sufficient anti-freeze and/or overheating, so it pays to keep the cooling system in good condition and frequently keep an eye on the temperature gauge in hot or heavy traffic conditions.

[Brianmoooore]

The bolts themselves are prone to breaking under the head of the bolt. The broken piece can then lodge itself under a rocker and get punched through the head.
IIRC, these bolts were supplied to BMW by more than one supplier, and it's only one version that is prone to snapping, BUT they were used simultaneously, and there's no way of distinguishing between the different ones. A secondary consideration is that stretch bolts, correctly fitted, clamp the head in place more evenly.

[flybynite]

Don't want to hijack the thread but any recommendations on which bolts/where to get them. I know ARP but are there any other recommendations? I have heard some say bolts from the later turbo engines work well but would like something a bit more tried and tested

[Brianmoooore]

Replace with standard M20 head bolts. The current version has female torx heads and are stretch bolts, which need to be angle tightened after initially tightening with a torque wrench.

[magpie]

that was a good read , excellent work casper

[Sprungcasper]

Replace with standard M20 head bolts. The current version has female torx heads and are stretch bolts, which need to be angle tightened after initially tightening with a torque wrench.

Thanks. Saw them for 20 euros a set from Elring. Will get those in the process. Starting with bolt number one and work my way up I guess?

that was a good read , excellent work casper

Thanks! Will do the best to get this ready by summer. To be more precise: first of July. a˜… Got a tour organized for the Dutch e30club. Want to join the others.

[magpie]

have you thought about an LSD ?

[Sprungcasper]

have you thought about an LSD ?

Yes i have, but original lsd's go over 700 euros, while letting mine rebuild with an lsd costs around 1200. So I will, but my pocket isn't deep enough at the moment. ;)

[Brianmoooore]

https://www.pelicanparts.com/bmw/techar ... lt_fix.htm

After initially torquing the bolts to the first stage, mark a line on each bolt with a permanent marker. This will enable you to check that you haven't missed out a bolt when doing the subsequent two 90 degree angle torques.

[TPS]

What a Great Thread

[Sprungcasper]

What a Great Thread

Thank you. I always like to share my experience with others. Got allot of response and tips in the process. It's always good to share information with each other.