Head Gasket replacement causing hell

[mrgoodbar]

m20 engine ('90 525i)
After replacing headgasket.

Symptons. 0-3k RPM, very sluggish/poor power. vibrates and thuds.
3k and up, seems to smooth out more.
after its up to temp, there is a thud/(knocking?) on either 4,5,or 6.
at idle.

Here is the story,
I Pulled everything out, cleaned the head best i could, replaced most of the gaskets everywhere, as the gasket kit provided. Put head back in, and here is where I made my first mistake...
1) Torqued to 22/ftlbs
then waited 15mins and did a 90degree turn, then ran engnie for 25mins and did another 90degree turn. INstead of just two sets of 90degree turns
These are the torx head bolts.

2) Also, while cleaning the Fuel pressure regulator, I accidently put the air hose to close into it, causing it to honk like a horn.

3) changed to mobil 1 synth 10-30...

almost seems like the timing is horribly off, but i double checked it.

The cooling system has been bled and doesnt have excess air in it.
I drove it for about an hour total. seeing if the computer would relearn/fix issues.

Any Ideas?
Thanks, Goodbar

[BimmerBalla14]

id get a compression test on each cylinder

[grecobeemer]

I've got similar symptoms between idle and 1500 RPMS. Put it on the sniffer and is running hella rich. Around 2000 HC which is way out of line. Check your coolant temp Ohms and TPS settings. Take it to a shop and have them see whether it is running too rich before you do anything else(sniffer test). That's my 2 cents.

[mrgoodbar]

ill being doing a compression test , and checking the timing.
I'll be replacing the FPR if it arrives today, and putting new headbolts in as well.

[mrgoodbar]

Put new FPR in and Distributor, Made a world of difference. Runs very nice, but while out driving a valve went out timing (?) and now i get a strong tapping noise that seems to start from the top of engine and travels down to the bottom. Hopefully Ican just do an adjustment to it to fix it up.

[Dark Helmet]

cam is 'off' if you ask me