$ shift

[renokp]

Hey guys need a little help

I have learned that it is now time to replace my tranny mounts. But that will have to wait until I fix my engine. I was just wondering if you guys could guess/diagnose the amount of damage I may have recieved. 1st off, I have a 95 m3. 140K on the engine. I went from about redlining 3rd into 2nd. I got the clutch back in pretty quick, but I definately did some damage. My car still runs and seems to perform or smooth out around 4000 rpms. But below it shakes pretty bad and I am sure is missing in 1 cylinder. It sounds like an old school muscle car now. The check engine light is NOT on. I have to assume I bent a few valves at best, but I'm hoping that thats about the extent. At this point my plan of action is to pull off the head, get it machined and put new valves, springs, retainers, ect. With the symptoms I have provided, do you guys think there is anything else wrong. I understand without looking/hearing it, it is pretty tough to guess, but I'm just looking for some educated guesses.

Thanks for any insight.

P.S. is there a write-up on pulling the head?

[Rennmeister M3]

Sounds like bent valves in at least one cylinder. I'd definitely stop driving it and start taking it apart.

[L3000C]

Sounds like bent valves in at least one cylinder. I'd definitely stop driving it and start taking it apart.

exactly what he said.

[Veedubbvr6]

Sounds like bent valves in at least one cylinder. I'd definitely stop driving it and start taking it apart.


exactly what he said.


Ditto!

And as far as a write up...try to find one of the online Bentley's or pick one up. It will end up saving you a lot of headaches later on down the road. Just my .02.

Good luck, hope everything works out for you!

[malter]

another one bites the dust...

[lseguy]

another one bites the dust...

Yep.

To the OP...sorry this occurred, but don't feel too bad. It's a very common issue with the 5 speed E36 M3's. There are plenty of threads and info from those who have suffered this issue. Plenty of guys here to help you out. Good luck.

[Formula E]

Good Luck man.

[goobos101]

I the only real way to tell the extent of the damage done is to pull the head and look. SOme people have pitted the pistons to the point the need to be replaced.

I have a spare head that has been inspecteced and refreshed by a machine shop if you are interested.

[sweetbro]

I've done this on my 95. There is a super helpful right up of a guy pulling the head on his dakar to build the engine for boost, but I don't know where it is. Just search, search, search. People have to do the same head, pulling procedure when they blow a headgasket from overheating so that may help your search as well. Please PM me for any help you may need as I know this sucks.




P.S. Oh yeah, you'll need a couple tools as well, just search around as there are guys that will rent them to you. :thumbup

[renokp]

Thanks for the words guys. I bought the car in January and had anticipated in the near future I might have some work to do anyways, although the car ran great. I am try to look at this as a positive, because I did not want to tear my car apart with nothing wrong, but at the same time I want to go in and see the condition of the engine. So glass will be half full, unless I need to pull the block.

Hey Goob, how much are you asking for the head? Where are you located? I live in San Luis Obispo, CA, but I will be in San Jose tomorrow for a meeting (wish I had my car for this drive).

Does anyone have any recommendations for a good kit to use to replace the valves, springs, ect. in case I do not buy the head? I know I can look this up on a few websites, but I would rather get the info from a trusted source, and people who have actually used the products and care about their cars.

Thanks again to all those who replied to this thread, its definately a comfort to know that there is a place to go if you run into trouble.

I will make sure to post in the $ shifting thread as soon as I pull the head and assess the damage

reno

[CABimmer]

Forget the tranny mounts, its your motor mounts. If it wasnt user error.