Can a headgasket go without loss of power and compression?

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  • HerbE30
    E30 Addict
    • Nov 2015
    • 538
    #1

    Can a headgasket go without loss of power and compression?

    Hey guys!
    I went for my lunch and my car instantly did not start. I believe it was a loose connection on the battery. Went to the trunk, jiggled, and saw the clamp connector was loose. So, the car finally started again, weakly. Poor idle. The oil light was on the check panel. Checked it, somewhat low and it had a few bubbles in it. I am assuming the HG has decided its done. My main concern would be the oil and bubbles on the dipstick. I will hopefully change my oil tomorrow just to flush it. Assuming worst case, its the headgasket?

    Any suggestions? Should I go ahead and run a compression check?
    20% Accurate

    Morty: Well Summer maybe people that create things aren’t concerned with your delicate sensibilities you know? Maybe the species that communicate with each other through a filter of your comfort are less evolved that the ones that just communicate? Maybe your problems are your own to deal with and maybe the public giving a shit about your feelings is a one way ticket to extinction.
    Tags: None
    • MrBurgundy
      R3V Elite
      • Mar 2012
      • 5290
      #2
      Yes it is possible to have it blown to the outside, where it would either leak coolant or oil and you wont see a loss in compression. If you got bubbles in the oil and a bad idle, it could be a blown head gasket leaking compression to the crankcase.
      Current Collection: 1990 325is // 1987 325i Vert // 2003 525i 5spd // 1985 380SL // 1992 Ranger 5spd // 2005 Avalanche // 2024 Honda Grom SP // 2024 Yamaha XSR700 // 2024 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon

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        • estoguy
          E30 Enthusiast
          • May 2013
          • 1087
          #3
          Mr B. is right.
          Estoguy
          1986 BMW 325, Alpenweiss ~ "Elsa"

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

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            • ForcedFirebird
              R3V OG
              • Feb 2007
              • 8300
              #4
              Also can be cracked and not showing it's ugly head on a compression test, but can leak combustion in the coolant that will be worse when hot.
              john@m20guru.com
              Links:
              Transaction feedback: Here, here and here. Thanks :D

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                • TobyB
                  R3V Elite
                  • Oct 2011
                  • 5158
                  #5
                  Yeah, agree with above,

                  but there are hundreds of things that can make yourcar idle poorly, and 'bubbles'
                  in the oil? Never heard of that as a means of diagnosis.

                  Now, milky oil, THAT can mean trouble, as can oily coolant, blowing coolant,
                  excess crankcase emissions, etc.

                  I'd say sniff around some more, check the usual suspects, and look for more symptoms
                  before you condemn the head/headgasket....

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

                    Comment

                    • bmwtool
                      Member
                      • Sep 2016
                      • 72
                      #6
                      My head gasket leaks a fair amount of oil from the passenger side front corner, but the compression is good and it runs fine.

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                        • ForcedFirebird
                          R3V OG
                          • Feb 2007
                          • 8300
                          #7
                          Originally posted by bmwtool
                          My head gasket leaks a fair amount of oil from the passenger side front corner, but the compression is good and it runs fine.
                          Victor Reinz?
                          john@m20guru.com
                          Links:
                          Transaction feedback: Here, here and here. Thanks :D

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                            • bmwtool
                              Member
                              • Sep 2016
                              • 72
                              #8
                              Originally posted by ForcedFirebird
                              Victor Reinz?
                              Original OEM, as far as I know.

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                                • HerbE30
                                  E30 Addict
                                  • Nov 2015
                                  • 538
                                  #9
                                  Just an update. Changed the oil a week ago. The oil itself just looked dark and bubbley. No foamy or murky either. I assume I just ran the current oil too hard lately.

                                  Also had to buy a 15$ K&N 'Performance'. Will keep anyone interested updated.
                                  20% Accurate

                                  Morty: Well Summer maybe people that create things aren’t concerned with your delicate sensibilities you know? Maybe the species that communicate with each other through a filter of your comfort are less evolved that the ones that just communicate? Maybe your problems are your own to deal with and maybe the public giving a shit about your feelings is a one way ticket to extinction.

                                    Comment

                                    • ForcedFirebird
                                      R3V OG
                                      • Feb 2007
                                      • 8300
                                      #10
                                      Originally posted by bmwtool
                                      Original OEM, as far as I know.
                                      Surprising if it is. Not too many m20's I see with original head gaskets any more, and do at least 5-6 of them a year.
                                      john@m20guru.com
                                      Links:
                                      Transaction feedback: Here, here and here. Thanks :D

                                        Comment

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