RE: Is this a good price?

Tue Jul 15, 2008 2:03 pm

hi all,
i've just been quotated £350 to have my headgasket done and head skimming.....does that sound any good?

he also said that the head would be skimmed with only the cams removed and not the valves.....is that the way there normally done or should it be totally stripped?

we had a chat about whether to do the cam chain as well, but he didnt think it was if it was fine.....which it is....well it doesnt make any unsually noises!!

of a matter of course, would you recommend doing the chain at the same time?

i havent used this guy before and wasnt sure of best practise with skimming heads etc?

cheers for any advice.

jay

Tue Jul 15, 2008 2:04 pm

What car mate??

Tue Jul 15, 2008 2:13 pm

318is M42

Tue Jul 15, 2008 2:34 pm

Cool, I'm not sure on the price, but would it be an opportune time to get the profile gasket sorted? I hear they can be an issue on the 318is.

(Should've guessed the car from the 'cams'!!!)

How much are the parts? It doesn't sound too bad, considering it's going on the mill too. Some is. hero will be along soon to confirm mate.

Tue Jul 15, 2008 4:45 pm

I seem to remember another thread where you said you are loosing water. Chances are it will be the profile gasket. So whatever you do change that at the same time. (profile gasket needs the head off anyway)

Tue Jul 15, 2008 4:50 pm

yeah thats right...i really dont think its the profile gasket....but definately change that as well.

do you know if the profile gasket comes in the head gasket kit....

the garage has quotation me £85 for the kit including head bolts......so its not an oem kit as bmw what about about £220.....i think it must be from GSF or somewhere similar....

are these kits worth there salt?

Tue Jul 15, 2008 5:11 pm

Jason318is wrote:yeah thats right...i really dont think its the profile gasket....but definately change that as well.

do you know if the profile gasket comes in the head gasket kit....

the garage has quotation me £85 for the kit including head bolts......so its not an oem kit as bmw what about about £220.....i think it must be from GSF or somewhere similar....

are these kits worth there salt?

Kits from GSF are fine and I'm 99% sure the profile gasket comes with the head gasket kit.

Tue Jul 15, 2008 5:24 pm

Sweet!!

Tue Jul 15, 2008 6:24 pm

I would want the guides checked on the valves and might aswell check the valves are seating properly too.

Tue Jul 15, 2008 8:57 pm

While the engne is down so far it will be worth dropping the valves and grinding them in to ensure a perfect seat. Also removing them means no chance of damage or trapped swarf from the skim.

Tue Jul 15, 2008 10:11 pm

£350 doesn't sound too bad if he's good. Yep, would agree, if you could stretch to getting the valves out then best to, a quick clean up and guide check, cleaned up inlets and outlets and lap the valves back in, new stem seals (shld be in the head kit). Well worth the effort in the long run but it's another couple of hours labour I would think. Just check who their supplier so you know the gaskets