head gasket problem

Post Wed Jun 28, 2006 10:34 am

i have opened the rocker cover to find loads of emulsified oil!! but one of the head bolts has SHEARED off! is this likely to be the root of my problems? i have a photo but cant work out how to upload it, someone help.

Post Wed Jun 28, 2006 10:42 am

Broadly, that suggests a badly warped & cracked head!

Post Wed Jun 28, 2006 11:11 am

oh shit.
so what shouldi attempt next?

Post Wed Jun 28, 2006 11:12 am

If it was me, head off, skim / pressure test & hopefully re-fit.

Or just have a replacement good head fitted.

Post Wed Jun 28, 2006 11:45 am

yeah what willit cost me to have that done mate?

Post Wed Jun 28, 2006 11:48 am

if you end up needing a head
i have one in my store of forsale parts
assuming were talking about a 325i??

skim and pressure test will be around 70/90quid depending where you take it

Daz

Post Wed Jun 28, 2006 11:51 am

If you need it fitting, give me a shout. I may not be that far from you, depending where in Worcs. you are. I do have a head as well, but it's provisionally sold.

Cheers,
Chris

Post Wed Jun 28, 2006 12:02 pm

i am about 10 miles from worcester. any help would be superb as i havent got a clue!!

how much for the head daz?

Post Wed Jun 28, 2006 12:06 pm

pm sent

Daz

Post Wed Jun 28, 2006 3:20 pm

Sheared head bolts are a common problem with early 6 cylinder M20 engines. The BMW replacement bolts are stronger and recognisable by their torex heads as against the normal head of the original. Both types are stretch bolts so should, in theory, only be used once.

Post Wed Jun 28, 2006 4:43 pm

oh right.... so would this be maybe the root of my head gasket probs?
couldit be as simple as just replaceing the bolt?

Post Tue Jul 04, 2006 3:12 pm

Replace the head gasket and the head bolts. It is possible the head is damaged but you would have to get a specialist to check for warping or cracking. The likeliest reason for gasket failure is overheating, check the cooling system, in particular the radiator is not gummed up with sludge.

Post Tue Jul 04, 2006 11:57 pm

innes wrote:oh right.... so would this be maybe the root of my head gasket probs?
couldit be as simple as just replaceing the bolt?

It WOULD have been as simple as replacing the bolts, one at a time, but it's gone beyond that now.
Minimum is replace gasket and bolts. More likely is replace head, gasket and bolts.
Get it off and to an engine specialist.

Post Wed Jul 05, 2006 12:03 am

thanks for your advice guys, but have been advised by a friend/mechanic to sell for spares etc, and pick up another at a later date. (cant afford to put it right at the moment)

so back to driving my little MK1 MR2! still good fun tho.