Head gasket replacement

[DminLA]

ok so I bought a 89 325i with a bad head gasket.

The issue is isolated from the engine oil into the cooling system. Runs no smoke / steam.

While the head is off my plan is to replace the following

HG and new bolts
timing belt and tensioner
cam seal
crank seal
intake and exhaust gaskets
all vacuum lines
thermostat
water pump if needed
all coolant lines


Have I missed anything??

[jlevie]

Only the most important step. That being to take the head to a shop to have it checked for warp and cracks. If the head is warped it will need to be surfaced so that the new gasket will seal.

You will also need new seals for the oil return tube, valve cover gasket, and may need a gasket for the thermostat housing and heater hose fitting.

You don't say whether this car has a manual or automatic transmission. If the latter, the oil in the coolant may be transmission fluid from a leaking intercooler in the radiator rather than a leaking head gasket.

[DminLA]

the car is auto, however there is a nice steady stream of oil leaking from the #1 head bolt in the head tightening sequence which leads me to think it is from the head and not the trans.

[SpecM]

the car is auto, however there is a nice steady stream of oil leaking from the #1 head bolt in the head tightening sequence which leads me to think it is from the head and not the trans.

I would really get it pressure-tested in that place

[Farbin Kaiber]

I would buy a complete head set. You will end up with gaskets you might not use, but is the valve seals need to be replaced when the head is at the shop, it will be one less thing you'll need.