Head gasket job done incorrectly

[dsphil]

I just finished putting the head back on my eta. Smoke and oil is leaking from the gasket at the exhaust side. I must have done something wrong. What should i do next?
Here is the run down of the job.

Head has been resurfaced.
Block is cleaned.
Bmw oem headgasket.
Valve is adjusted.
Torqued a 22lb, then 90(1/4 turn) and another 90 according to manual.
VR torx bolts.
After i see smoke and oil I run another sequence at 10 degree but still only getting 65lbs. I believed it should be 80lbs.

Should i do another 10 degree increament until i get 80lbs or i need new gasket since it already have oil on it?

[z122643]

What RA did you resurface the head to? If you have too fine of a cut you may need an MLS gasket.

[603Racing]

Did you make sure the head bolt holes were well cleaned out before reinstalling? The smallest bit of liquid or debris in there can cause big problems.

Was the head checked for cracks or warping?

Why did you need to do the gasket in the first place?

[jlevie]

Did you make sure the head bolt holes were well cleaned out before reinstalling? The smallest bit of liquid or debris in there can cause big problems.

And just as important is chasing the threads in the block.

[Cabriolet]

victor reinz headgaskets and bolts suck. you may have gotten a bad batch or the block wasnt cleaned well.
we use an old bolt and cut a slice in it and then thread it in and out with brake clean to clean the block threads.
my vr bolts or HG failed on me the second time i did an M20 refresh, after 50 miles. There was oil seeping on the exhaust side. now im using the BMW bolts and they are holding just fine.

[dsphil]

What RA did you resurface the head to? If you have too fine of a cut you may need an MLS gasket.

The shop said the RA is 18.2. I don't know what RA is until now.

Did you make sure the head bolt holes were well cleaned out before reinstalling? The smallest bit of liquid or debris in there can cause big problems.

Was the head checked for cracks or warping?

Why did you need to do the gasket in the first place?

The holes are cleaned and bolts are lubed. cleaned with tube brush and air.
No cracks or warping on the head. I checked it personally and reason for resurface because because I can't scrape off areas of the old gasket without damage it.
The original gasket has failed. coolant leaking into chamber.

I did not use VR head gasket.

should I retorque the bolts or start over? If I start over should I reuse the gasket? It is a $100 part. I know for fact new bolts will be needed if start over. It a very limited budget when you have 2 of these to take care off.

[Cabriolet]

did you left the bolts rest between 90 degree turns?

[dsphil]

did you left the bolts rest between 90 degree turns?

No I did not. how long should I let it rest?

[Cabriolet]

recommended is 20-30min

[dougie30]

Fffuuuuukkkk I never let mine rest..... How bad is that

[Earendil]

Damn, I never let mine rest when I did mine, though I did them in the correct order so they would have rested the time it took me to torque the other ones down. I don't recall the Bentley suggesting 20-30 minute rest...

[Cabriolet]

Bentley does not mention it for the later for the b25. however, many engine builders would recommend a wait time.

[tinkerputzer]

No settling time or warm running time required for torx head (torque to yield bolts).

[Dirty325ix]

Doesn't it say no lube on the threads and how did you place it on the block. First time i did it i put the head on with the intake still attached and i had leaks all over the place because i put it on so uneven

[dsphil]

Upon close inspection, the bmw head gasket is for 2.5. My is an eta 2.7. Could this be the problem? I think VR is the same but I dont know about bmw oe. Anyone?