M30 head gasket
M30 head gasket
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Discussion

LHD

Original Poster:

17,002 posts

217 months

Saturday 26th December 2009
quotequote all
Chaps,

I seem to have identified the coolant leak on my E32 as there is some emulsification on the oil filler cap. frown

How much am I looking at to get the head gasket changed?

I'd normally take it to CPC to get it done but as it would involve me driving it 400 miles I'd rather not.

Is it easy to do or is it a world of pain?

TIA

fluffnik

20,156 posts

257 months

Saturday 26th December 2009
quotequote all
LHD said:
Chaps,

I seem to have identified the coolant leak on my E32 as there is some emulsification on the oil filler cap. frown
Bummer. frown

Have a word with Davey at:

B.M.Motors,
71 Station Rd,
Law Village
ML8 5LW

01698 375146


LHD

Original Poster:

17,002 posts

217 months

Saturday 26th December 2009
quotequote all
What are the chances it's cracked the head too?

It's running fine, it's just got the tell-tale mayo under the oil filler cap.

I hate cars right now. grumpy

fluffnik

20,156 posts

257 months

Saturday 26th December 2009
quotequote all
LHD said:
What are the chances it's cracked the head too?

It's running fine, it's just got the tell-tale mayo under the oil filler cap.

I hate cars right now. grumpy
It could just be condensation this weather...

Are there any green coolant stains?

LHD

Original Poster:

17,002 posts

217 months

Saturday 26th December 2009
quotequote all
fluffnik said:
LHD said:
What are the chances it's cracked the head too?

It's running fine, it's just got the tell-tale mayo under the oil filler cap.

I hate cars right now. grumpy
It could just be condensation this weather...

Are there any green coolant stains?
It's losing coolant and there is a severe amount of steam/whatever coming out of the exhaust (worse when stationary)

The coolant loss is about 3/4 of an inch in the expansion bottle every 4-5 days.

There are no stains on the inlet side and i can't see on the exhaust manifold side.

Oil is clean at the dipstick, just under the cap has the emulsification.

fixedwheelnut

744 posts

262 months

Saturday 26th December 2009
quotequote all
If you have a coolant pressure tester, get the car hot and remove the rocker cover then pressurize the system and check the head around cyls 4-6 under the camshafts for beading of water if they go porous that tends to be where they go.
Alternatively get the head to an engine builders and get it crack tested.

LHD

Original Poster:

17,002 posts

217 months

Saturday 26th December 2009
quotequote all
fixedwheelnut said:
If you have a coolant pressure tester, get the car hot and remove the rocker cover then pressurize the system and check the head around cyls 4-6 under the camshafts for beading of water if they go porous that tends to be where they go.
Alternatively get the head to an engine builders and get it crack tested.
It's done 95k and had a new radiator less than a year ago.

It's been suggested that due to the cold weather and short trips could have contributed to the mayo under the filler cap.

Temp stays solidly at the midway point and there is heat from the vents.

confused

fixedwheelnut

744 posts

262 months

Saturday 26th December 2009
quotequote all
If you do short journeys and there is only a little bit under the cap it's probably normal condensation.

Try and get a pressure tester and leave it over night, check the water pump, heater valve by the bulkhead and heater matrix behind the dash for leaks. They are the usual suspects for slow leaks.