Replaced Head Gasket - Still Leaking!

[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!

[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]

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]

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 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.

[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]

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

[AndrewBird]

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

[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.

[Wanganstyle]

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

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[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.

[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.

[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.