M42 maintenance list

[///M42 sport]

If engine is on a stand? I'd rather not have to take the head off at this point.

[jntar]

can you replace the profile gasket by removing the bottom case and leaving the top case intact?

The outer timing profile yes. The inner you could but the difficulty factor would be much higher. Chance for error is higher as well.

[///M42 sport]

can you replace the profile gasket by removing the bottom case and leaving the top case intact?

[blackhawkimpact]

bumping thread back...

how did you remove the crankcase bolt? any pics?

Breaker bar plus floor jack bar. Put the spark plug pin thingy in the flywheel lock hole.

[jntar]

Breaker bar to block of wood on driver side frame rail. Bump starter until it breaks loose. Be sure injectors or fuel pump are unhooked.

My impact couldn't break it loose so this was the only way I could do it. Ghetto, but effective.

[///M42 sport]

bumping thread back...

how did you remove the crankcase bolt? any pics?

[hachirokuae]

First of all I know this is a 3 year old thread, but my car has the same coolant leak symptoms, and I wonder if this fix sorted it out for you.

[JoeyBones]

seems like i'm always adding something more to the list of things i need to do to get the car to a good "baseline" before I start any really fun mods.... excluding putting in the racing seat which i justify as a necessity due to the previous seats being sold to fund other maintenance ...

I just need money...

[KenC]

WOW good thread and i was wondering the list this morning, glad ppl put it out here.
But I have a quick quesiton, my M42 still pulls strong and it has 200,000 miles on it. It seems the previous owner has done some maintenance ......still any thought?

There's no way to speculate unless you take the timing covers off and start inspecting.

[KenC]

It doesn't matter what color the coolant is, just make sure it's safe for aluminum heads.

The green coolant from the 80s and 90s wasn't.

Simon, I'm VERY surprised your engine lasted that long without the updated profile gasket.

[b15azn]

WOW good thread and i was wondering the list this morning, glad ppl put it out here.
But I have a quick quesiton, my M42 still pulls strong and it has 200,000 miles on it. It seems the previous owner has done some maintenance ......still any thought?

[Dj Buttchug]

Interesting.

Well shit - I guess my engine is getting a second ground strap put on it..

ya man, do like a 6 or 8 gauge wire. I grounded once to the block and once to the chassis.

[Simon S]

Cool. Thanks guys. I'm really pleased with how informative this thread has become.

[Ryann]

some of the pitting is also caused from electrolysis. It is more common on engines with aluminum heads. Custom made ground wires can really help with this issue.

True story. I've seen a 16v Honda head eaten alive by this very issue.

[Simon S]

Interesting.

Well shit - I guess my engine is getting a second ground strap put on it..