Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

Putting the M20 back together - tips

Collapse
X
 
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts

    Putting the M20 back together - tips

    I'm putting the M20 back together after pulling it all apart for a head gasket change. This is the first time I've done extensive work on this engine, but before it went in I did tb/wp change.

    I will be following the Bentley religiously, but are there any tips or pertinent advice that the Bentley doesn't cover? I've got a full HG kit with torx-headed bolts and a Goetze head gasket.

    Thanks in advance.

    #2
    Any time I torque head bolts I put a little oil on the threads to help them seat better and prevent stripping the block.

    Just something stupid I do

    Oh and don't forget the coolant hose on the back of the head.

    But if you follow the manual you should be just fine it covers everything pretty well.

    Good luck
    Your signature picture has been removed since it contained the Photobucket "upgrade your account" image.

    IX being restored here

    Ix turbo build here

    Comment


      #3
      Originally posted by nomansland92 View Post
      Any time I torque head bolts I put a little oil on the threads to help them seat better and prevent stripping the block.

      Just something stupid I do

      Oh and don't forget the coolant hose on the back of the head.

      But if you follow the manual you should be just fine it covers everything pretty well.

      Good luck

      if you soak the head bolt make sure to wipe them clean as it can crack the block. also make sure the head bolt holes in the block are free of fluids.
      BmMmduBbB teChHh

      Comment


        #4
        Be sure to oil the head bolt washers.
        -Andy

        Comment


          #5
          What has not been mentioned, and is important, is to use a thread chasing tap on the head bolt threads in the block. And then to blow out those with compressed air after a liberal dose of solvent.
          The car makes it possible, but the driver makes it happen.
          Jim Levie, Huntsville, AL

          Comment


            #6
            Originally posted by jlevie View Post
            What has not been mentioned, and is important, is to use a thread chasing tap on the head bolt threads in the block. And then to blow out those with compressed air after a liberal dose of solvent.
            This right here!


            Project log -- DIRTY 30

            2.7i * Megasquirt tuned * E85 powered

            Comment


              #7
              Oh yes, and I should have said that if you pull the head it needs to be surfaced. I've yet to see a used head that did not have some warp. If the engine has overheated or had a head gasket failure, it will need to be checked by a machine shop for cracks and then surfaced. Those are not just good ideas, they are mandatory!
              The car makes it possible, but the driver makes it happen.
              Jim Levie, Huntsville, AL

              Comment


                #8
                Originally posted by jlevie View Post
                Oh yes, and I should have said that if you pull the head it needs to be surfaced. I've yet to see a used head that did not have some warp. If the engine has overheated or had a head gasket failure, it will need to be checked by a machine shop for cracks and then surfaced. Those are not just good ideas, they are mandatory!
                Agreed. Having a head cleaned, tested, and resurfaced has never cost me a penny more than $100. There's no reason not to!
                -Alex

                Comment


                  #9
                  Originally posted by acolella76 View Post
                  Agreed. Having a head cleaned, tested, and resurfaced has never cost me a penny more than $100. There's no reason not to!
                  That is with you disassembling the head yourself?

                  Comment


                    #10
                    Originally posted by acolella76 View Post
                    Agreed. Having a head cleaned, tested, and resurfaced has never cost me a penny more than $100. There's no reason not to!

                    same here. i just did mine and paid $45 :D


                    1987 528i Royalblau

                    Comment


                      #11
                      Originally posted by wojtek79 View Post
                      That is with you disassembling the head yourself?
                      Yes
                      -Alex

                      Comment


                        #12
                        Head has been resurfaced and checked for cracks and leaks. $45 for planing, $45 for the check. Not too shabby.

                        Thanks for all the advice. I will abide by the above. Some specific questions however:

                        I need oil that will work as well in both - and + 30 degrees celcius. Our winters here can be very harsh, and I'd be next changing the oil in the summer. I think I currently use 20w50, but don't quote me on that. Should I be using a better oil? Synthetic or non-synthetic? I read non-synthetic as to not create new leaks, but will this be a problem with new gaskets?

                        Coolant - 50/50 antifreeze and water, of course. Can it be premixed, or can I just pour 2L antifreeze and then 2L water?

                        I had many more questions that I have now forgotten. I will update as I remember

                        Comment


                          #13
                          20w50 conventional oil in the spring, summer, and fall. 10w40 in winter.
                          The car makes it possible, but the driver makes it happen.
                          Jim Levie, Huntsville, AL

                          Comment


                            #14
                            Originally posted by Andy348 View Post
                            Coolant - 50/50 antifreeze and water, of course. Can it be premixed, or can I just pour 2L antifreeze and then 2L water?
                            Your system should hold close to 3 gallons so assuming its fully drained and you do the above. obviously you will not have a 50/50 mix. If you add 1 gal of AF then 1 gal distilled water, you will have 2 empty jugs to make a 3rd gallon of 50/50 to finish with
                            Seat Shocks....I have passed the baton to John Christy from Ninestitch. Email John or Garrett at ninestitch1@gmail.com

                            https://www.r3vlimited.com/board/sho...86#post4944786
                            Alice the Time Capsule
                            http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=360504
                            87 Zinno Cabrio barn find 98k and still smells like a barn. Build thread http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/show...20#post3455220

                            Comment


                              #15
                              Putting the 2.7 stroker togather (tty inqueries)

                              Nvm

                              Comment

                              Working...
                              X