My car is leaking oil - head gasket and sump gasket appear to be the two issues. I can't fix these problems myself (don't have the facilities, and also not competent!). Fortunately there's a garage 1 minute away that specialises in old BMWs.
How much would these jobs typically cost in labour? Labour rates are completely different in Australia compared to UK, so more interested in an estimate of man hours.
Cheers
P.S. All leaks need to be sorted as a requirement of the rego / MOT.
Oil leaks
Moderator: martauto
-
boiliebasher
- E30 Zone Regular
- Posts: 269
- Joined: Mon Nov 17, 2014 11:00 pm
Are absolutely certain that it's the head gasket leaking?!
Personally I would say that it's more than likely the rocker gasket leaking NOT the head gasket.
The other option mate is just to steam clean the engine so it passes the rego!
Personally I would say that it's more than likely the rocker gasket leaking NOT the head gasket.
The other option mate is just to steam clean the engine so it passes the rego!
-
coopman
- E30 Zone Regular
- Posts: 267
- Joined: Tue Feb 25, 2020 10:19 am
- Location: Sydney
Not absolutely certain, no. Could try the rocker gasket first.
The steam clean option isn't a terrible idea! COVID-19 is doing its best to destroy my finances, so I can do without a large bill.
The steam clean option isn't a terrible idea! COVID-19 is doing its best to destroy my finances, so I can do without a large bill.
-
paultv
- E30 Zone Squatter
- Posts: 1545
- Joined: Mon Apr 21, 2014 11:00 pm
- Location: Auf dem Schnee: Germany
Where is the "head" leak? front or back ?
The advice given to really clean it up is good - you can then see whats's happening - most likely rocker cover gasket - or rubber D bungs at the front and rear of the head ( rocker shaft fitting holes ) - often fitted backwards or just perished - if leaking, clean up using brake cleaner and apply some RTV silicon to the bungs to stop any leaks - cheap temporary fix. You get at these by removing the rocker cover and gasket -
Clean the sump and check all the bolts are tight - and that the oil pressure sensor isn't leaking too -
All this costs nothing but a bit of time and de greaser (petrol - no smoking da weed whilst doing this! ) and will get you through the test unless its pissing oil out really badly
good luck!
Paul
The advice given to really clean it up is good - you can then see whats's happening - most likely rocker cover gasket - or rubber D bungs at the front and rear of the head ( rocker shaft fitting holes ) - often fitted backwards or just perished - if leaking, clean up using brake cleaner and apply some RTV silicon to the bungs to stop any leaks - cheap temporary fix. You get at these by removing the rocker cover and gasket -
Clean the sump and check all the bolts are tight - and that the oil pressure sensor isn't leaking too -
All this costs nothing but a bit of time and de greaser (petrol - no smoking da weed whilst doing this! ) and will get you through the test unless its pissing oil out really badly
good luck!
Paul
4th May 1990 325i Convertible.
BMW E30 Cabriolet Best Mod Ever:
https://bmwe30cabriolet-wdm.blogspot.com/
BMW E30 Cabriolet Best Mod Ever:
https://bmwe30cabriolet-wdm.blogspot.com/
-
coopman
- E30 Zone Regular
- Posts: 267
- Joined: Tue Feb 25, 2020 10:19 am
- Location: Sydney
The leak is at the front (I'd cleaned up the engine previously to try to identify where the leak was coming from). My revised diagnosis is leaky cam seal. Given I have no service history for the vehicle after 1999, I think I'll take the opportunity to change the timing belt and maybe a couple of other bits and get a professional to do a thorough check.
However, I'm going to try to get through the rego inspection first without doing any major work, then wait for the coronavirus to blow over. Our dual-income household is about to become a zero income household, so we'll probably need the car available to live in.
However, I'm going to try to get through the rego inspection first without doing any major work, then wait for the coronavirus to blow over. Our dual-income household is about to become a zero income household, so we'll probably need the car available to live in.
-
coopman
- E30 Zone Regular
- Posts: 267
- Joined: Tue Feb 25, 2020 10:19 am
- Location: Sydney
Got the pink slip / e-safety check done at a different garage (one that wasn't aware of the oil leaks). All fine.
For the non-Aussies here, the test cost $42 (£20) and takes about ten minutes - a five minute test drive where they check the brakes, then a further five minutes to check the lights are all working. Not quite as rigorous as an MOT.
For the non-Aussies here, the test cost $42 (£20) and takes about ten minutes - a five minute test drive where they check the brakes, then a further five minutes to check the lights are all working. Not quite as rigorous as an MOT.