Signs that your head gasket/head has gone.....

[Davenotouring]

My car was using water for a while, and when I say using water, I mean a substantial amount. Like a litre every ~100 miles.

Anyway....If your head has problems, you may notice the signs which my car displays;

Expansion Tank Cap...



Dipstick...



And the worst is the oil filler cap...




That's when you know!

[325icoupe]

Thanks, very usefull pictures. Thankfully my reservoir, dipstick and filler cap are nothing like that - all very clean
If there has been any water usage it has been millimeters in quite a few miles - if there is any 'pin-hole' leaks in the system would i not notice water residue because of evaporation?
Thanks

[Davenotouring]

Yeah, you should have the engine running, have a good look round the engine bay from all angles possible, you could have a small leak. It could be leaking slightly from the water pump and you may not notice (Thanks Pete ).

They use a small amount of water, but not as much as mine does!

State of that oil cap

[325icoupe]

Just out of curiosity, did u have the head fixed etc or replaced the engine?
If you had the head work done how much was the damage?
Thanks

[Davenotouring]

The engine is still in my car, in that state! And it still runs (but for how long ).

I have a few different ideas.....

1) Get it done at a garage - secondhand head, get it skimmed, pressure tested and seals replaced. Total = 400 quid.

2) Remove head myself. Find out if it's gasket or crack in the head etc. If it's just the gasket, get the head skimmed and tested and seals replaced etc, renew gasket. If it's the head, buy secondhand head for 100 and do work myself. Total = ~ 300

3) Store the car till summer, slot in a 3.5 engine. Total = ~1000 pounds.

Not sure what to do yet to be honest!

[325icoupe]

number 3 sounds good
a little off subject but...... i noticed your sig mentions the LSD. How much was it to source and have fitted and do you notice the difference? Mine is not a sport so currently doesn't have one but i am thinking about it

[jmc330i]

Sorry to see the dreaded mayo. Surprised its still running tho, but it could be the perfect excuse for........

3) Store the car till summer, slot in a 3.5 engine.

Another sweet 3.5 touring is whats needed
If your thinking about it now, you will only regret it if you dont do it.

[frumpy_uk]

Damn, sorry to hear that Dave! Just glad that you're not thinking of throwing in the towel! Good luck

[jitvv]

Sorry to hear this Dave,

you don't want to hear this but when mine done the same thing mayo in the Haed and in water tank. I found it to be a crack in the head!
And normally you won't even be able to see the crack when the heads off as the crack only opens up when the head heats up!!

Cracked head's are a common problem with M20's.

Hope you get it sorted soon mate!!

Jit

[psychochild187]

do u know wat you need to get them to presseure test a head . i might get ine done as ive got to put a spare head on my car as my head or gaskets gone ,!?

[Brianmoooore]

The crack tends to be at the bottom of the cam bearings. 2nd from back seems to be the usual.
Warm the engine up to pressurise the cooling system and take the cam cover off. You can sometimes see drops of water coming out from one of the cam bearings.

[Geeman]

...and there was me looking for little white specks on the 318iS dipstick and rocker cap...

I didn't expect to be looking for something SO obvious as that!

Phew!

[Demlotcrew]

Looks like the sause you get in a big tasty! Not that i go to Mcdees of course.

Andrew

[threetwofiver]

Just pressure test it, its real easy your answer will be there. its a two day job for an ameture to change an m20 head I reakon but using the bentley manual it was dead easy. only problem is you'll be up for a 100 pounds worth of parts ie new gasket, timing belt etc. Have fun.


Harley