Project 17: Head Gasket Replacement

[Wayne 962]

Got any questions on Project 17 for your E36 or E30? Ask them here!

-Wayne

[Jeron]

When cleaning the pistons and gasket surface of the block what type of abrasive wheel did you use and did you use it on the piston only or the gasket surface as well?

Did you plug the coolant passages in the block to prevent debris from entering?
Did you just use air to blow debris from the ring area or any other methods?

Here is picture of the abrasive wheel you used:
http://www.101projects.com/BMW/Projects/017/images/DSC00630.JPG

Here is a link to the 3m website section on abrasive products. Choose "Surface Conditioning Abrasives":
http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/Manufacturing/Industry/Product-Catalog/Abrasives/

[Wayne 962]

I used a mild "plastic" type wheel that I had around the shop. You don't want to put any deep scratches into the gasket surface - all you want to do is remove the old material. The plastic/rubber wheel is abrasive, and good at removing the old debris without damaging the steel surface. The head replacement went well with no leaks. If you don't get all of the material cleaned off, then you could get high spots and coolant leaks.

Yes, I used tape over the coolant passages, and then got around the holes with a razor blade. I used a vaccum cleaner to vacuum up the debris. I might have had an assistant hold the vacuum while doing the cleanup - can't recall exactly...

Hope this helps,

Wayne

[Jeron]

I havent found a good selection of abrasive wheels yet. I've tried Hoem Depot and Northern Tool but the only wheel they sell is WAY to hard.

I'm going to try PepBoys and OReilly Auto next.

Thanks.

[mmtuning]

I just replaced my head gaskets and now it is leaking oil out of the front corner of the head. Any ideas? It is a reman head.

[mnichols]

Wayne, in your 101 projects book, project 17 you mention that your website had the torque settings for the head during re-installation. I'm pulling my head this spring for upgrades and was looking for those settings.

The Bentley manual says to set the bolts in stage 1 to 22ftlb, then rotate 90 degrees, then stage 3 rotate another 90 degrees.

Does this agree with your data?

I'm double checking everything before I start the project.