Headgasket failure on an M20

[Hani]

I think I have a headgasket failure on my m20, there is steam coming out of the exhaust. I was wondering whether this would be expensive to get fixed by a mechanic or could i do it my self with a new gasket kit? everything else works fine and the car runs.

[Andy325i]

Sorry to break it to you mate, probably the head that has gone pourus (sp?) To do properly is well over Ԛ£500 with new bits, unless you can find a decent s/hand head or engine. Mine cost over Ԛ£700 to do and that was no labour involved! Finding another engine shouldn't be a problem, just look in the parts for sale section, or at worst flea bay.

Andy

[Hani]

Ok, just out of interest is it difficult to do an engine swap? I'm alright at doing mechanical jobs and am almost an engineer but I've never done this kinda work on a car before. I have access to a hoist and and tools, are there any write ups on this sorta thing?

[A1BMW325iSport]

buy a head gasket kit from euro car parts.
also a new set of head bolts would be good choice.

[Andy325i]

The engine swap is easier than doing the head for most. nothing too difficult. Where are you mate?

Andy

[Hani]

I will be working on the car in Essex. Would a bentley or haynes give me directions?

[Davenotouring]

Bently!

Head change is more difficult than engine swap!

[Wilson]

In fact, having done both, I think I would say an engine swap like for like, is probably as easy as a head change, maybe easier!!

[Hani]

cool, i think I'll try an engine swap. It can't be that hard. Should i stick anything else instead of an m20 while i'm at it?

[TOURINGDADDY]

If ur not that experianced i would stick to the m20 but if ur feelin brave chuck a v8 4.4 in the beast

[Hani]

I'm not really that brave and i don't realy feel like building my own bits to help it fit. Would a 4.4 V8 fit? My M60 is huge, would i need a bulge in my bonnet?

[Brianmoooore]

Don't forget M20B25 engine was also fitted to the 5 series, and would probably be less thrahed. Will fit straight into the E30 with swapping over a few minor external bits.

[320Touring]

hani-is your car not a 320?!

if so may not be the head...

does the 'stem' clear once the car is up to temperature?
do you have any mayonnaise in the coolant tank or oil filler cap?

[A1BMW325iSport]

hani-is your car not a 320?!

if so may not be the head...

does the 'stem' clear once the car is up to temperature?
do you have any mayonnaise in the coolant tank or oil filler cap?

the m20 2.0 did have that problem of steam in the exhaust and pressurising the cooling sys.

i`ve heard of that prob many times and done 2 headgaskets because of it one on my old car and on my dads old e28 as well.

quick fix is head gasket doesn`t take too long.

[Hani]

its not on my 320i that engine is perfect. This is a 2.5 engine on a car i'm doing for my mum.