Hey everyone,
I was hoping to get some opinions from those with experience rebuilding BMW S52 heads.
I took my Z3M Roadster out of storage after about 6 months, installed a fresh battery, and the engine hydro-locked on startup. I pulled the spark plugs and found cylinder #3 full of coolant.
I removed the cylinder head and sent it to a machine shop. They pressure-tested it, resurfaced the deck, and hot-tank/power washed it. They charged about $500 CAD and told me the head passed the pressure test.
After getting the head home and inspecting it closely, I noticed a line between the intake and exhaust valves on cylinder #3 that looks very much like a crack.
Before I assume the worst, I'd like some experienced opinions.
I'm planning to take the head to a second shop on Monday for another inspection, but I'd appreciate any feedback in the meantime.
Thanks!
I was hoping to get some opinions from those with experience rebuilding BMW S52 heads.
I took my Z3M Roadster out of storage after about 6 months, installed a fresh battery, and the engine hydro-locked on startup. I pulled the spark plugs and found cylinder #3 full of coolant.
I removed the cylinder head and sent it to a machine shop. They pressure-tested it, resurfaced the deck, and hot-tank/power washed it. They charged about $500 CAD and told me the head passed the pressure test.
After getting the head home and inspecting it closely, I noticed a line between the intake and exhaust valves on cylinder #3 that looks very much like a crack.
Before I assume the worst, I'd like some experienced opinions.
- Has anyone seen marks like this that turned out to be normal casting marks?
- Or does this look like a genuine crack between the valves?
- Is it possible for a head to pass a pressure test yet still have a crack like this?
I'm planning to take the head to a second shop on Monday for another inspection, but I'd appreciate any feedback in the meantime.
Thanks!