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Thread: Head gasket lifespan

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jan 2019
    Location
    Pittsburgh
    Posts
    18
    My Cars
    1987 e325i sedan

    Head gasket lifespan

    Hello,
    I just picked up a project e30 325i with 40k. It sat for ever then was riced and beaten. I am going through the motor and replacing all the gaskets ect. And I am right down to a bare head give or take an Ie header.

    So the question is. Should I replace the head gasket.

    Reasons to: 0 care of the cooling system, corrosion and that weird black sludge you get after 30 years without a given.

    Reason not to: head doesn't seem to be blown.

    the jist of question is are these heads factory head gaskets bulletproof where is the reason to do it just because it is there.
    Last edited by MauiM3Mania; 01-08-2019 at 09:54 PM. Reason: profanity

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jun 2002
    Location
    Aberdeen, NC (yes, again)
    Posts
    23,672
    My Cars
    E39M5, E500 4WD
    Nothing is bulletproof.

    You're right down to a bare head? Good lord, man, replace the gasket and bolts. Replace EVERY gasket, the timing belt, the water pump, the thermostat, the hoses, expansion tank and radiator. The car is worth good money; keep it that way!

    Are you REALLY sure it has 40k miles? I mean, the odometers on E30's are notorious for breaking their gears.

    Chris Powell
    Racer and Instructor since, well. decades, ok?
    Master Auto Tech, owner of German Motors of Aberdeen
    BMWCCA 274412
    German Motors is hiring ! https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...1#post30831471

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jan 2019
    Location
    Pittsburgh
    Posts
    18
    My Cars
    1987 e325i sedan
    Quote Originally Posted by bmwdirtracer View Post
    Nothing is bulletproof.

    You're right down to a bare head? Good lord, man, replace the gasket and bolts. Replace EVERY gasket, the timing belt, the water pump, the thermostat, the hoses, expansion tank and radiator. The car is worth good money; keep it that way!

    Are you REALLY sure it has 40k miles? I mean, the odometers on E30's are notorious for breaking their gears.

    That's what I was thinking too, thought I should check with some bwm heads before I crack it open. Last build was a Supra MK3 and there's nightmares about cracking the heads on those.

    I'm down to Bare head cuz I'm doing exactly what you suggested.

    honestly I'm kind of suspect about a 40000 mile car too. the title says 20,000 miles, it was last signed over two years ago. the odometer is reading 43 right now... The other odometer is reading 20. is cars damn ugly, all messed up, got some welding in front of me. not that that would change how much it was driven.
    Last edited by jschorr; 01-08-2019 at 10:07 PM.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jan 2019
    Location
    Pittsburgh
    Posts
    18
    My Cars
    1987 e325i sedan
    Sorry about the cussing. Won't happen again

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jan 2019
    Location
    Pittsburgh
    Posts
    18
    My Cars
    1987 e325i sedan
    Starter too?

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jun 2002
    Location
    Aberdeen, NC (yes, again)
    Posts
    23,672
    My Cars
    E39M5, E500 4WD
    If the engine spins when you turn the key, there's no need to mess with the starter, it's fine.

    I am not going to try to convince you to spend your money, unless doing so involves crucial internal parts which should be considered while the rebuild is in progress.

    Chris Powell
    Racer and Instructor since, well. decades, ok?
    Master Auto Tech, owner of German Motors of Aberdeen
    BMWCCA 274412
    German Motors is hiring ! https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...1#post30831471

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jan 2019
    Location
    Pittsburgh
    Posts
    18
    My Cars
    1987 e325i sedan
    got around to pulling the head tonight. just for general info. after 32 years they head gasket was in perfect shape.

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