So the m20 is common for an oil leak from the oil return on the exhaust side of the block. How do you prevent this leak?
I have done my head gasket once, and have an oil leak, it absolutely cannot leak under any circumstances when I do it again and I want to make sure I do everything 150% right.
Resurface head
Non victor reinz brand head gasket
Make sure bolts are torqued properly
Victor reinz head bolts, are they ok?
copper spray?
What is the best way to prepare the block surface?
I've used Victor Reinz head bolt and haven't had any problems, make sure you clean out the head bolt holes, I used a Goetze head gasket and so far so good(10k miles), I used a razor blade to clean the block surface.
I can't contribute my winning strategy because I used a VR headgasket and it leaks.
If your e30 runs bad, switch to Megasquirt first. Then try new spark plugs, cap and rotor, wires, oxygen sensor, crank shaft position sensor, coolant temp sensor, air flow meter, idle control valve, throttle position sensor, digital motor electronics unit, harmonic balancer, fuel injectors, engine harness...
OE Headgaskets are worth it, Goetz are supposed to be good. Copper spray is unneccessary. Especially with OE gaskets as they are already tacky.
Resurface head
I've found the non-abrasive stripping pads good at cleaning the block.
VR head bolts are fine
Head bolts are stretch bolts and require a specific rotation when tightening. If you don't have that tool, paint a little direction marker on the bolt head.
"Howdy, Folks!"
1986 Delphin 528e - Roof rack equipped lumber hauler.
1989 Zinnoberrot 325iX Sedan - I miss this car. (Deceased)
1998 Avus Blau 328iC - Someone else's project now
2008 Platinum-Beige X3 3.0si - Current project
2012 Alpine White X3 xDrive35i - My new snowmobile.
2020 Estoril Blue 440i xDrive cabrio - This car is a blast to drive.
1997 Arctic Silver/Black M3
CES Stage IV (651rwhp/615rwtq @ 24 psi)
1999 Techno Violet/Dove M3
Auto/Convertible and staying stock!
"Howdy, Folks!"
1986 Delphin 528e - Roof rack equipped lumber hauler.
1989 Zinnoberrot 325iX Sedan - I miss this car. (Deceased)
1998 Avus Blau 328iC - Someone else's project now
2008 Platinum-Beige X3 3.0si - Current project
2012 Alpine White X3 xDrive35i - My new snowmobile.
2020 Estoril Blue 440i xDrive cabrio - This car is a blast to drive.
What is wrong with reinz I've used them on almost all my rebuilds with no problems
Slowly climbing the ladder. But never reach the top.
Click Car 4 Build!
'86 325es-Turbo m30!
'94 325iA-Clean DD
'94 530i-6 Spd swp
'89 Cherokee 4x4-4.7L stroker
'97 Eclipse Spyder-4g64/63 stroker Turbo.
'89 535is-RIP 2020, engine now in e30!
'84 318is-RIP 2016.
'89 535iA-Parted 2012
94' 530iA-RIP 2004, engine in new 530i
'78 530ia-first car RIP 2005
If your e30 runs bad, switch to Megasquirt first. Then try new spark plugs, cap and rotor, wires, oxygen sensor, crank shaft position sensor, coolant temp sensor, air flow meter, idle control valve, throttle position sensor, digital motor electronics unit, harmonic balancer, fuel injectors, engine harness...
"Howdy, Folks!"
1986 Delphin 528e - Roof rack equipped lumber hauler.
1989 Zinnoberrot 325iX Sedan - I miss this car. (Deceased)
1998 Avus Blau 328iC - Someone else's project now
2008 Platinum-Beige X3 3.0si - Current project
2012 Alpine White X3 xDrive35i - My new snowmobile.
2020 Estoril Blue 440i xDrive cabrio - This car is a blast to drive.
I cleaned the block with a grinder and a green wheel. Flat and clean. I scrubbed the head by hand with a green pad. Double checked flatness everywhere, everything was flat, not even a bit of warp. Followed the torque down procedure carefully. My compression readings are 165-165-160-165-170-165, seals very nicely in the chamber.
I guess I didn't do enough.
Last edited by Kershaw; 03-24-2016 at 08:43 AM.
If your e30 runs bad, switch to Megasquirt first. Then try new spark plugs, cap and rotor, wires, oxygen sensor, crank shaft position sensor, coolant temp sensor, air flow meter, idle control valve, throttle position sensor, digital motor electronics unit, harmonic balancer, fuel injectors, engine harness...
the prob with VR gaskets is that they use a very minimal amount of the "sealing bead" on the gasket, making them very sensitive to proper preparation of both the block and the head. I recently used a VR, had a leak in exactly the location predicted, then bought a felpro and did the job again. looking at them side-by-side revealed a generous double bead of sealant on the Felpro, but only and minimal single bead on the VR. But before you go out and get a Felpro, I must say that the one I just received for my rebuild project (different e30) was not as nice as the one I had earlier. So I would simply cough up the dough next time and do OEM. Also take the time to properly skim the head if you really want to be sure.
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