Who Wants to help Put my Cylinder Head Back Together?

[donb318]

i had an idiot master mechanic friend of mine take the head apart, i got it rebuilt, and now months and months later, he says he doesn't have time to put it back together again. what a flake. i need someone else to do it. HELP! i have a '92 318i, build 7/92, M42. thanks.

[flyfishvt]

OOOOO OOOOO ME ME ME ME!!!!

as long as the valves are installed. I did the whole cam removal and reinstall on my old 92 318i. Takes about 15 minutes to put the cams on.

[donb318]

the valves are installed. the cams are off though. my friend match marked and zip tied everything to hold it at tdc.

allow me be more specifically clear... the cylinder head was removed so that i could get a valve job done. i took most of the other stuff apart prior to getting to the cylinder head.

[LockDots]

If you're serious about someone local helping you out, try the regionals sub forum. There's a section dedicated to the state of California

[donb318]

If you're serious about someone local helping you out, try the regionals sub forum. There's a section dedicated to the state of California
good idea. thanks.

[flyfishvt]

the valves are installed. the cams are off though. my friend match marked and zip tied everything to hold it at tdc.

allow me be more specifically clear... the cylinder head was removed so that i could get a valve job done. i took most of the other stuff apart prior to getting to the cylinder head.

You don't really need to save TDC but it helps. Timing a 92 318 is a piece of cake.

[donb318]

i have the bentley manual. i would like to give it a shot myself but my friend said if i am off a tooth or something such whatever, its gonna jack a lot of things up.

[flyfishvt]

I followed the procedure on Pelican Parts. Its really not that hard. The only thing you'll need is a really good straight edge. I use a carpenters speed square. Its just the right length and its acurate.

[donb318]

I followed the procedure on Pelican Parts. Its really not that hard. The only thing you'll need is a really good straight edge. I use a carpenters speed square. Its just the right length and its acurate.
sounds good. do you still have the link to the write up?

[flyfishvt]

Go to pelicanparts.com and look in their project list. I can't remember exactly which one it is. There was one for swapping out cams with no special tools, one for a profile gasket and one for a head gasket. Its one of those three. Its been a year and lots of other projects since I did it so I can't remember exactly which one.

I like bentley but pelican uses lots of pics and the writer speaks plain old average joe english.

[epmedia]

i had an idiot master mechanic friend of mine take the head apart, i got it rebuilt, and now months and months later, he says he doesn't have time to put it back together again. what a flake. i need someone else to do it. HELP! i have a '92 318i, build 7/92, M42. thanks.
That's sweet, donb.

[donb318]

i couldn't find it on pelican parts.

i'm going to go bury my head in the bentley manual as you've given me new found hope.

actually i wasn't really trying to do it myself though and was hoping someone local would be willing to assist.

[epmedia]

I almost offered assistance, but you blew that out the door, already.

[flyfishvt]

This is the article from Pelican. Its for a 6 cylinder with vanos but the install is almost identical to the 4 cylinder. Most important it has a link to setting the valve timing towards the end.

http://www.pelicanparts.com/bmw/techarticles/101-Projects-17-Head-Gasket/101-Projects-17-Head-Gasket.htm

I suggest reading over this and looking at the pics then using the bentley as a guide since it will include instructions specific to your engine.

I know you were looking for help on this but if you decide to go it alone make absolutely sure you have help putting the head back in place. It needs to go back on very very carefully. If you try it alone you will most likely get it off to one side a bit and you seriously run the risk of bending the valves.

Your other option is to put the head in place and install the cams after. this will allow all the valves to be seated and protected.

Its not technically difficult once you get the head bolts torqued down correctly. Its just time consuming. make sure you have all new head bolts. You can't reuse the old ones. Don't even try.

[donb318]

I almost offered assistance, but you blew that out the door, already.
and how did i do that?

did you take my calling my coworker what he is personal to yourself?

i did not generalize my statement about my coworker to everyone who works on cars. but this guy has been a flake to others at work and i guess i thought he'd be different to me. i should have heeded their warning though.

if you are that sensitive, maybe you need to take a look at yourself.

the cams are already off.

i did not know you needed all new head bolts though. i'll have to go pick those up.


This is the article from Pelican. Its for a 6 cylinder with vanos but the install is almost identical to the 4 cylinder. Most important it has a link to setting the valve timing towards the end.

http://www.pelicanparts.com/bmw/techarticles/101-Projects-17-Head-Gasket/101-Projects-17-Head-Gasket.htm

I suggest reading over this and looking at the pics then using the bentley as a guide since it will include instructions specific to your engine.

I know you were looking for help on this but if you decide to go it alone make absolutely sure you have help putting the head back in place. It needs to go back on very very carefully. If you try it alone you will most likely get it off to one side a bit and you seriously run the risk of bending the valves.

Your other option is to put the head in place and install the cams after. this will allow all the valves to be seated and protected.

Its not technically difficult once you get the head bolts torqued down correctly. Its just time consuming. make sure you have all new head bolts. You can't reuse the old ones. Don't even try.

[epmedia]

I guess I should not judge you by your comments about your co-worker's lack of help.
My first impression was that you like to be fed favors by a silver spoon.
These jobs are easy, but very time consuming...
Maybe offer the guy some $ for the help.

[donb318]

I guess I should not judge you by your comments about your co-worker's lack of help.
My first impression was that you like to be fed favors by a silver spoon.
These jobs are easy, but very time consuming...
Maybe offer the guy some $ for the help.
have you ever seen those funny commercials about don't judge so quickly? ha.

the deal is that he has had my car in pieces for over a year now. i am a very patient person but a year is stretching my patience a bit too far.

he doesn't want money from me.

he says he just doesn't have time because everyone in his family and relatives are constantly needing him for who knows what (not car related).

i work with him and am talking to him right now.

i call him a flake to his face and said that he dogged me out. he even admits that and doesn't get mad because he knows it's true.

i even offered to stand in for him and help with his family, and he said no thank you.

i guess i am just frustrated because i messed up and should have heeded my coworkers (<-- note plural) warnings that he is very unreliable.

[keeslinger31]

Just diy the step by step is already posted :D I did it. More than once but that
was my bad :devillook Its extremely rewarding to hear it start up and idle smooth as glass knowing that you put it together and timed it:redspot

[epmedia]

have you ever seen those funny commercials about don't judge so quickly? ha.
No, I don't watch tv much.

I think you're probably right about me needing to take a look at myself, I'm getting worn out, and don't take care of myself like I should :(

Anyways, like stated earlier - it's very rewarding to accomplish such a task your first time.

[donb318]

No, I don't watch tv much.

I think you're probably right about me needing to take a look at myself, I'm getting worn out, and don't take care of myself like I should :(

Anyways, like stated earlier - it's very rewarding to accomplish such a task your first time.
that's exactly what i told my coworker.

he seems exhausted most of the time. i told him he probably just has too much on his plate.

i told him that i see he is too busy taking care of everyone else's needs (which is very noble) but he doesn't take care of his own needs first though.

i then said i would much prefer for him to take care of himself before even thinking about my car.

he hasn't listened though because i think his family guilt trips him into taking care of their needs first and he just hates disappointing his family/relatives.

[epmedia]

Interesting scenario.
I don't think it's a "guilt trip", I think it's "willing to help family".

I say it's interesting because I just got home from my folks house after helping family and relatives with cars , computers and house painting :eyecrazy

Your co-worker sort of reminds me of me, which is probably why I started bashing towards the "idiot/flake" comments :)

[donb318]

ok who wants to help for $$?

just name your price to be considered.

[flyfishvt]

Buy me a plane ticket and I'll use some of my vacation time and do it TOTALLY FREE!!!!

[donb318]

Buy me a plane ticket and I'll use some of my vacation time and do it TOTALLY FREE!!!!
its a good thing you're not close enough to slap upside da head. :bash

[slav]

hey im new and i dont know how to start new thread but i also have a question about the e36 cylinder head. i have a 92 325i with m50 engine. the guy i got it from rebuilt the engine but got timing wrong really bad so the valve are bent. instead i changing the valves i got a whole different cylinder head for it cause it was much cheaper. the cylinder head i got is from a 94 325i. i dont know if its m50 or m52 but they should fit right? also i dont have vanos and the head i got has vanos so i was wondering what i need to do to remove vanos from the head and if it will work. thanks

i meant what parts i need to change to convert the head to non vanos

[donb318]

go to the main forum and you will see a New Thread button.

[dantheman67]

There's also a "search" button at the top-right, but it's just there for decoration.

[donb318]

There's also a "search" button at the top-right, but it's just there for decoration.
good one. :lol

[Hybrid775]

Donb318, timing the engine without the camshaft locking tool and flywheel pin is difficult. I tried using drill bit to lock the flywheel and a straight piece of metal on the camshaft to line everything to TDC. I button everything back up and it idle rough with check engine light. I was off by a teeth or two.

[dantheman67]

Donb318, timing the engine without the camshaft locking tool and flywheel pin is difficult. I tried using drill bit to lock the flywheel and a straight piece of metal on the camshaft to line everything to TDC. I button everything back up and it idle rough with check engine light. I was off by a teeth or two.

It's also possible you didn't get the intake sprocket lined up relative to the cams. Just a thought.

Edit: agreed you need the locking pin and cam tool. Straightedge wont do; the cam locking tool holds the cams aligned against the force of 2 of the valve springs trying to push the cam out of alignment. Those 2 tools shouldn't run more than $30, so just buy em.

At my buddy's old job (tech for a Toyota dealership), using the wrong tool for the job was grounds for termination.

[flyfishvt]

All I can tell you is I removed the head, removed and reinstalled the cams, reinstalled the head and set the timing with no special tools.

Its no big deal and I'm the only one who can terminate me so I'm not worried.

[dantheman67]

On my particular motor, the timing tool IS required because of the valve springs; your inline six may be different.

The point I'm making to OP is that the tools to do the job properly are cheap, and its a job that must be done right.

[epmedia]

ok who wants to help for $$?

just name your price to be considered.

You would have to tow the car to my house, and if you cannot do that, forget it :D

I also have to consult with my wife, since she pays the rent, and her favorite parking spot would be taken. I'd also have to review my Haynes to determine what a fair labor fee would be. Labor will not be cheap, I have a hefty gas/electric bill due 17 September of next month.

A typical "shop" price for changing head gasket on an M50 is about $1500.00 for parts and labor - this does not include any other parts that are later found to need replacement (hoses, etc).

You have to pay (up front) for all parts (before towing), fluids, cam-lock tool (I only have cam-lock for M50 engine) and shipping, (I'd do the price quote).

What else is wrong with the car, is it just putting the head back together, and installing the head? I mean, anybody would hate to do all that work, only later to find that the car cannot be driven...

I have health insurance, and no employees, so my overhead expenses are low. However, if you cannot pay for labor when the estimated job is complete, I will put a lien hold on your car :D

[flyfishvt]

You would have to tow the car to my house, and if you cannot do that, forget it :D

I also have to consult with my wife, since she pays the rent, and her favorite parking spot would be taken. I'd also have to review my Haynes to determine what a fair labor fee would be. Labor will not be cheap, I have a hefty gas/electric bill due 17 September of next month.

A typical "shop" price for changing head gasket on an M50 is about $1500.00 for parts and labor - this does not include any other parts that are later found to need replacement (hoses, etc).

You have to pay (up front) for all parts (before towing), fluids, cam-lock tool (I only have cam-lock for M50 engine) and shipping, (I'd do the price quote).

What else is wrong with the car, is it just putting the head back together, and installing the head? I mean, anybody would hate to do all that work, only later to find that the car cannot be driven...

I have health insurance, and no employees, so my overhead expenses are low. However, if you cannot pay for labor when the estimated job is complete, I will put a lien hold on your car :D

You're making it sound like a three day event. Its a couple hours tops to put the head on and get it timed out. Then another 1-2 hours to put on the intake and get it buttoned up.

I didn't see the OP looking for a master mechanic to do a job for free. All I saw was a guy looking for a fellow enthusiast to help him out for a few hours. Why all the hate? You'll put a lien on his car? Get serious. I did that same job 6 months ago on the exact same car he has. We get the job done, shake hands, give me bottle of Stoli and we part friends.

I just don't understand why you're making it sound like he would be doing YOU a favor by saying yes. Call me crazy but I help people out all the time.

[rllynch1]

You're making it sound like a three day event. Its a couple hours tops to put the head on and get it timed out. Then another 1-2 hours to put on the intake and get it buttoned up.

I didn't see the OP looking for a master mechanic to do a job for free. All I saw was a guy looking for a fellow enthusiast to help him out for a few hours. Why all the hate? You'll put a lien on his car? Get serious. I did that same job 6 months ago on the exact same car he has. We get the job done, shake hands, give me bottle of Stoli and we part friends.

I just don't understand why you're making it sound like he would be doing YOU a favor by saying yes. Call me crazy but I help people out all the time.

And that's exactly why you get as much respect on this forum as you do.

[lasmariaspr]

donb318,
If you had the time and had a much more higher post average you would have noticed how much flyfishvt has a ported to the forum. A round trip ticket, and the ability to meet the man in the flesh is nothing compared to what a shop may charge. After your install, there might be some other minor things you don't remember at the moment and could tackle them too. Very few would do the job as he has offered to.So, why not learn why he's called...legend.

[flyfishvt]

I don't think you guys know what a round trip ticket to the sunny west coast goes for these days. 6 years ago it was at least $400. I think its doubled since then. Thanks for the support though. :)

[epmedia]

....We get the job done, shake hands, give me bottle of Stoli and we part friends...

I do that too, with people I know.
Not everybody can jump into random jobs for favors...
Also have to realize that many folks cannot go into ANY debt during favor time, especially in Cali :eek:

I was kidding about the lien thing, I don't even know how to do one :D
However, if the car takes up my wife's parking space longer than expected, that means issues!

OP offered $ for the job, and that's the only way possible for ME to even consider doing it. However, I don't mind at all to help OP on this forum.

OP, I'm just curious - SD it a big county, I'm in 91977, what's your zip?

Oh - flyfish. There is no hate here, just saying the way it would have to be (calculated estimates, etc.)...
Oh yea- OP mentioned it's been sitting for about a year too :eek:

[donb318]

solution: mechanic did it for $781.