Head dilemma

[csmitty]

So I have an 88 super eta that I just got and going through as it wasn't running. So was going to take the opportunity to upgrade to the i parts. My seta head has a 7 bearing cam in it. So basically just would need the cam and valve springs to finish it up.

However browsing through the JY looking for an intake and throttle body I found this oddity.

I was browsing the local pull a part as they got in a new E30 and it was a 325i date 3/87. Had the head and its just easier to get the whole head than pull the cam shaft. Plus its only $66. And I figured it'd have all the oil passages. Anyways the inside of this thing was clean, as in no oil or varnish, timing belt was still intact and nothing visable broken so pulled it and brought it home.





Also the intake valves were clean and maybe new guides? However the CC side shows some deposits. So maybe it got carbon'd clean? The exhaust side looked like normal use. Anyone have any theory's? I'm tempted to run this head as it is. Just change out the camshaft seals. It has some surface rust on the lobes but doesn't seem bad.



Also I was browsing one of the other E30s there and sitting in the floorboard was this guy. Which made it super simple, and only $20. I've got the 154.



So, run this head from the JY and hope its ok, or still strip it down and get in checked out?

[SkiFree]

I know what you're thinking. "Did he fire on six cylinders or only five?" Well, to tell you the truth, in all this excitement I kind of lost track myself. But being as this is a M20B25, the most powerful engine in the world, and would blow your girlfriends panties clean off, you've got to ask yourself one question: Do I feel lucky? Well, do ya, punk?

[csmitty]

Haha. Good one.

[SkiFree]

:mrgreen:

But seriously, wont be able to tell you without taking a good look at the head in person. If it was me, I'd tear it apart.

However if you choose not to...
1) At least take out the cam and check the journals for scoring,
2) check for rocker/cam lobe wear.
3) Check for any fatigue indicators on the forkside of the rocker arms.
4) remove and THOROUGHLY clean the oil sprayer bar inside/out.
5) Clean the cumbustion chambers and check for any visible cracking.
6) IF its reasonable for you, replace the valve stem seals.

[csmitty]

Thanks for the tips. All good ones. I'm not in a rush other than wanting to take this thing for a first drive. I just found it so odd that there's no sign of any oil (like a rebuild) in the valve train, but the combustion chamber has some carbon build up, as well as exhaust ports. But the intakes look clean. Like when I walnut blasted my mini's intake valves.

Normally I wouldn't take anything for granted, and was planning a full tear down of my seta head. This one I just can't figure out. If I do anything besides the cam seals will just do the full monty on it.