How to prevent head gasket leaking oil?

[actletpone]

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?

[frostedE30]

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.

[Kershaw]

I can't contribute my winning strategy because I used a VR headgasket and it leaks.

[richardodn]

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.

[BMWManiac]

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.

I believe APR now specifies 70-80ftlbs of torque instead of 30*60* and 2 x 90* turns as they did in the past....back in '09, I did the ARP headstuds this way and in 2013, I did it to torque spec.

[richardodn]

I believe APR now specifies 70-80ftlbs of torque instead of 30*60* and 2 x 90* turns as they did in the past....back in '09, I did the ARP headstuds this way and in 2013, I did it to torque spec.

You're confusing the issue here. ARP head studs are an alternate product. They are not stretch bolts and so the proper torque method will of course be different.

[darknezz7]

What is wrong with reinz I've used them on almost all my rebuilds with no problems

[actletpone]

What is wrong with reinz I've used them on almost all my rebuilds with no problems

I have heard of and personally seen too many failures with them meaning I do not want to take the risk of using one. Also the silicone beading is visibly inadequate compared to other brands.

[Kershaw]

What is wrong with reinz I've used them on almost all my rebuilds with no problems

I'm 3/3 for leaking VR gaskets. I've finally learned my lesson.

[richardodn]

What is wrong with reinz I've used them on almost all my rebuilds with no problems

I'm 1 for 2. I think the issue really is that the VR head gaskets are just more sensitive to prep and condition.

[Kershaw]

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.

[mybimr]

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.