Diagnosing the damage

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  • madbim
    Noobie
    • Aug 2014
    • 33

    #1

    Diagnosing the damage

    My brothers 87' 325is had some issues this week, stopped running. Pulled the number 1plug and found this. Looks like something came in contact with the plug, the timing belt is still intact. Does this mean the motor is toast?

  • rturbo 930
    R3VLimited
    • Dec 2005
    • 2599

    #2
    Looks like something hit it hard. I wouldn't be too surprised if there's a hole in that piston.

    Comment

    • Ether-D
      R3VLimited
      • Sep 2011
      • 2838

      #3
      Pull the head and find out. The head is very likely trash at a minimum.
      Originally posted by Andy.B
      Whenever I am about to make a particularly questionable decision regarding a worryingly cheap diy solution, I just ask myself, "What would Ether-D do?"
      1987 325iS m30b34 Muscle car (Engine electrical phase)
      ~~~~~~~~~~
      I was born on 3/25…
      ~~~~~~~~~~

      Comment

      • 101
        Mod Crazy
        • Jul 2011
        • 764

        #4
        Pulling the head would definitely be needed. Either a valve or the piston got loose and made a mess in that cylinder.

        My magic 8 ball says "outlook poor" for that motor.
        101

        The E30 collection:
        1987 325es M52 - Schwarz / Taurus Red Sport (son #2's)
        1987 325is - Delphin / Black Sport (son #3's)
        1987 325i Convertible - Triple Black
        1989 325iX Coupe - Diamondschwarz / Black Comfort
        1990 325iX Coupe - Sterling Silver / Grey Sport

        1981 Fiat 124 Spider 2000 - Green / Tan
        1998 Volvo V70 GLT - White / Tan
        1998 Volvo S70 T5 manual - White / Taupe
        2001 Ford Windstar - Silver / Grey (parts hauler)
        2006 Lexus GX470 - White / Tan (tow rig)

        Comment

        • estoguy
          E30 Enthusiast
          • May 2013
          • 1087

          #5
          That's bad news. Agree with the others, the outlook isn't good. :(
          Estoguy
          1986 BMW 325, Alpenweiss ~ "Elsa"

          Need a photographer, come visit my site: http://estoguy.wix.com/unique-perspectives

          Comment

          • TobyB
            R3V Elite
            • Oct 2011
            • 5154

            #6
            Gawd, that's nasty. At the very least, the threads in the head are done!

            Post pix when you do the autopsy!

            t
            now, sometimes I just mess with people. It's more entertaining that way. george graves

            Comment

            • ahlem
              Grease Monkey
              • Sep 2008
              • 369

              #7
              Pull the rubber cover off the drivers side of the timing belt and look for loose timing belt teeth. The belt may stay intact but just spit it's teeth. It's located behind the alternator.

              Comment

              • madbim
                Noobie
                • Aug 2014
                • 33

                #8
                We're going pull the motor and do a 5 speed swap at the same time. Should be fun!

                Sent from my XT1060 using Tapatalk

                Comment

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