Blown head gasket need advice 89 325ix

[Akrunner]

So after installing supposedly rebuilt engine it turned out to be not so good. Got oil in my coolant tank after the first start up. What are my options? I have my original complete engine with a head. Should I remove that and rebuild it or try to find a rebuilt one? Anyone can suggest a reasonable machine shop who can do the job? I'm in Sacramento CA. Also what new parts will I need for the rebuild? It was supposed to be a small restoration project for my wife but I'm $14k into it already and the car still doesn't run.

[ndfspd67]

Why was the original motor removed?


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[nrubenstein]

I would start by doing some diagnostics on the new engine.

[Akrunner]

The original motor was replaced due to the bottom end issues. Originally I was going to rebuild mine but someone on this forum sent me a link to a rebuild motor that was selling on craigslist. So that's where I made a mistake.

[Akrunner]

I would start by doing some diagnostics on the new engine.

What else could it be considering that the oil is milky and is all over the place? What else should I be looking for?

[Akrunner]

Also I just checked the head on the rebuilt engine is OEM it says 2.5 and 2.7 on it but the head on my old motor is AMC.

[nando]

I'd rebuild the original. also, the 885 head was used on both 2.5 and 2.7 liter engines, that's normal.

[Akrunner]

I'd rebuild the original. also, the 885 head was used on both 2.5 and 2.7 liter engines, that's normal.

But if the original supposedly had been rebuilt and I'm having issues with it is there a point to rebuild it again?

[nando]

I thought you bought a "rebuilt" engine and that didn't work out? I meant rebuild the motor that originally came from your car. Unless the gasket is totally screwed on that "rebuild" you have, coolant/oil mix means something is likely cracked (head or block).

[ndfspd67]

Rebuild the best bottom end. A head gasket is not a horrible job on an m20 I wish you were on the east coast I would be happy to take that on. If you are already that deep into it then take your original head to a reputable machine shop have it decked and tested.


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[monticello]

I had one that was mixing oil and coolant, turned out to be a cracked head in the cam journals. I put a used head on it, no problems. Not that long ago, I replaced the head on my current car with a bimmerheads rebuilt. I've had zero problems with it.

[Kershaw]

I would start by doing some diagnostics on the new engine.

I had one that was mixing oil and coolant, turned out to be a cracked head in the cam journals. I put a used head on it, no problems. Not that long ago, I replaced the head on my current car with a bimmerheads rebuilt. I've had zero problems with it.

Yep.

I had this as well. Bottom end was fine. It just needed a new head.

[ForcedFirebird]

If there's coolant in the oil, the head is cracked. The m20 has no place where the oil/coolant can mix with a blown head gasket alone.

Instead, the cam valley cracks and when pressurized, the coolant passes through the crack and mixes with the oil.

EDIT:

I had one that was mixing oil and coolant, turned out to be a cracked head in the cam journals. I put a used head on it, no problems. Not that long ago, I replaced the head on my current car with a bimmerheads rebuilt. I've had zero problems with it.

I read your replay in full after posting. You would be correct, sir.

[e30davie]

Find out EXACTLY what went wrong before swapping bits. And before you put another head on get it pressure tested at a machine shop. Don't put a head on just cause someone says it is "fine".

[Akrunner]

If there's coolant in the oil, the head is cracked. The m20 has no place where the oil/coolant can mix with a blown head gasket alone.

Instead, the cam valley cracks and when pressurized, the coolant passes through the crack and mixes with the oil.

EDIT:




I read your replay in full after posting. You would be correct, sir.

Thanks for the advice! I will look into rebuilding my old head. It's not OEM as mentioned but it worked before.