Replaced Head Gasket - Still Leaking!

[Sean_Cassidy]

Did you change the waterpump? Perhaps that has been leaking the entire time and not the cylinder head

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I really don't think that's the problem, I can clearly see it leaking from one specific spot. I'm going to take a video later today and upload it via YouTube or something.

[Sean_Cassidy]

I had the exact same issue, changed the headgasket twice and still leaked. Talked to James Criv about it, he stated putting just a dab of copper rtv on that front corner of the head gasket. Did that, no leaks anymore.

That sounds like a great idea! Thanks man, I'll look into it.

[Mlarsen]

I had the exact same issue, changed the headgasket twice and still leaked. Talked to James Criv about it, he stated putting just a dab of copper rtv on that front corner of the head gasket. Did that, no leaks anymore.

[Wanganstyle]

Did you change the waterpump? Perhaps that has been leaking the entire time and not the cylinder head

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[Sean_Cassidy]

Block could have a low spot in that corner. Either that or the head isn't flat despite being resurfaced.

I don't understand how the block could just have a "low spot". Anyone care to explain how that could come about?

I took it up to the city (Chicago) today and when I stopped the car I noticed the leak was looking pretty damn healthy and flowing down almost as if it were water. Some scary and frustrating shit, no doubt.

[AndrewBird]

Block could have a low spot in that corner. Either that or the head isn't flat despite being resurfaced.

[Sean_Cassidy]

is it leaking from the head gasket for sure or somewhere else? there's also the rocker shaft rubber plugs and the cam seal.

that corner of the block on most M20s leaks a little. it shouldn't be more than a slow drip though. I consider it a part of my rust-prevention measures.. :p

No, nowhere else, it's at the EXACT same spot as last time. The engine as 230K on it, I replaced everything and still leaking from the same spot. It's not spewing out but it's a slow drip that would be annoying to have happen all the time.

Has anybody tried sealing this?

Thanks

[nando]

is it leaking from the head gasket for sure or somewhere else? there's also the rocker shaft rubber plugs and the cam seal.

that corner of the block on most M20s leaks a little. it shouldn't be more than a slow drip though. I consider it a part of my rust-prevention measures.. :p

[Sean_Cassidy]

Yes it was resurfaced.

So I put everything back together today, fired it up and it STILL is leaking from the same spot. I re-did everything and still leaking. I'm fed up as hell. I don't understand how something so simple could go so bad.

Is there any reason why this should happen??? I did every damn thing you guys said. Not blaming any of you of course.

[Wanganstyle]

Yes it's a good-standing shop nearby that some local BMW enthusiasts go to. The guy did a fantastic job for only $60!

Here ~$65 gets you a pressure test only at the local machine shops

Are you sure it was resurfaced?

Good job no good job you are still re doing the job.

[Sean_Cassidy]

Yes it's a good-standing shop nearby that some local BMW enthusiasts go to. The guy did a fantastic job for only $60!

[Wanganstyle]

Head bolt washers are absolutely required.

Was the cylinder head pressure checked and surfaced by a machine shop that Is familiar with these engines?

If the head is off it should be pressure tested and or rebuilt. A warped head won't produce a good engine with change of head gasket.

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[Sean_Cassidy]

It's possible that the head bolts didn't thread in properly for the extra distance when you didn't have the washers. The bolt heads may settle too much into the head without washers also.

Yeah I was thinking the same thing. Amazing what you can learn when doing something twice, haha.

Thanks!

[redlightpete]

THREAD REVIVAL: So I just got a new Goetze head gasket in the mail today and am going to go ahead and install it. I've gone ahead and cleaned/scuffed up the block with a "brite pad" (thanks nyChris), and it looks much better than when I installed the head gasket the first time.

I also noticed one thing that I overlooked the first time and that is the small washers that were on the old head bolts I took off the first time. I hadn't switched them over to the new head bolts. Could that have caused any problem regarding my oil leak?

Again, any input or help is greatly appreciated!

Sean

It's possible that the head bolts didn't thread in properly for the extra distance when you didn't have the washers. The bolt heads may settle too much into the head without washers also.

[Sean_Cassidy]

THREAD REVIVAL: So I just got a new Goetze head gasket in the mail today and am going to go ahead and install it. I've gone ahead and cleaned/scuffed up the block with a "brite pad" (thanks nyChris), and it looks much better than when I installed the head gasket the first time.

I also noticed one thing that I overlooked the first time and that is the small washers that were on the old head bolts I took off the first time. I hadn't switched them over to the new head bolts. Could that have caused any problem regarding my oil leak?

Again, any input or help is greatly appreciated!

Sean