Victor Reinz headgasket starting to fail after only 20k??

[ForcedFirebird]

VR bolts are fine. In fact, the only issue we have ever had with the VR stuff is the head gasket itself. Zero issues with the Elring gaskets and we have probably done about 10 or 15 m20 head gaskets in the last year or so.

[2mAn]

I forgot to ask, and honestly prior to doing some research about Victor Reinz, I had no idea how bad they were. Ive heard mixed reviews about Elring also. Im going with a Goetze.

My only question is I have Victor Reinz headbolts also, and blunt says they are fine an the OEM headbolts will take a week to get. I dont know if the gasket will survive another week.

Should I be worried about the VR headbolts too???

[ForcedFirebird]

so headgasket kit arrived from Blunt... and its Victor Reinz. Im bummed

He also carries Elring kits. I've bought about 10 of them over the last couple years.

[2mAn]

so headgasket kit arrived from Blunt... and its Victor Reinz. Im bummed

[RobertC]

where can you find OEM head bolts?
all i find is this victor reinz crap overflowing the internet vendors

I can get the Genuine BMW Head Bolt set from the dealer for you. $30

Take Cash and Credit Card
714.398.8405
E30 Motor Werks

[2mAn]

Bluntech

[fatsooo]

And, make sure you buy new OEM head bolts and torque them down properly.

where can you find OEM head bolts?
all i find is this victor reinz crap overflowing the internet vendors

[dnguyen1963]

My guess is that you had a defective HG. Just make sure that the HG sits correctly before torquing the bolts down.

[2mAn]

thats the plan, I am still confused why this happened. Best thing I can do now is to make sure it doesnt happen again :/

[dnguyen1963]

You should have the head re-surfaced and examined for cracks before putting on a new HG. Otherwise, you will be looking at milk-shake again. And, make sure you buy new OEM head bolts and torque them down properly.

[2mAn]

ok, the oil looks worse and worse. can I just buy a new headgasket and other bits to install a new headgasket before this gets worse? I have been looking at building a new bottom end, but I want to fix this before it all pops and gets worse

[ForcedFirebird]

Simple test. Let car sit at least 24hrs, water will settle to the bottom of the pan. Open the drain and see if water comes out before oil does.

I think you may just have had moisture in the oil from leaving the cap open. It's common to see a little milkshake on the bottom of an oil cap and/or at the top of the dipstick. Moisture gathers in the crank case and when the engine is running, water turns to steam and has to go somewhere.

[MonkeyMan]

I would think leaving the oil cap partially open might introduce air into the oil system that could froth up in the pan, while ever so slightly decreasing your oil pressure..
that being said, if the oil is not at all milky, I think you're good, especially if the oil returned to normal appearance after you tightened the cap.

as far as the missing coolant, I remember having to add a bit of coolant sporadically over a few months after I first bought my car (fresh from PO's rebuild).. he had mentioned they had some trouble bleeding the cooling system after the build, so I thought that may have been remnants of the elusive air bubble that was gradually burping itself..
could be what's happening with yours..

[2mAn]

I hope thats all it was. Any other thoughts peeps?

[!kid]

sounds to me like your oil just foamed up a little. check the oil again when the engine is cold.